Synonyms

vandalize

American

[van-dl-ahyz] / ˈvæn dlˌaɪz /

especially British, vandalise

verb (used with object)

vandalized, vandalizing

to destroy or deface by vandalism.

Someone vandalized the museum during the night.

vandalize British

/ ˈvændəˌlaɪz /

verb

(tr) to destroy or damage (something) by an act of vandalism

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of vandalize

First recorded in 1790–1800; vandal + -ize

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

The protest at Cal State L.A. escalated after a student services building on the campus was vandalized in June of that year.

From Los Angeles Times

In 2022, his Persian Gulf Cafe in Westwood was vandalized, its glass front door shattered, after he shared images on Instagram of a memorial at the cafe honoring Iranian women in anti-government protests that year.

From Los Angeles Times

In Sacramento, police said protesters vandalized a federal building during a march in response to the shooting.

From Los Angeles Times

A man has been arrested for allegedly vandalizing City Hall on New Year’s Day, police said Saturday.

From Los Angeles Times

Reports that the Green Rhino had been vandalized were untrue, workers at the eatery said.

From Los Angeles Times

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023