vandalism

[van-dl-iz-uhm]

noun

1. deliberately mischievous or malicious destruction or damage of property.

   vandalism of public buildings.

2. the conduct or spirit characteristic of the Vandals.

3. willful or ignorant destruction of artistic or literary treasures.

4. a vandalic act.

vandalism

/ ˈvændəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. the wanton or deliberate destruction caused by a vandal or an instance of such destruction

Other Word Forms

• vandalistic adjective
• vandalish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vandalism¹

1790–1800; vandal + -ism; compare French vandalisme

Example Sentences

Marseille said the overflowing toilets was caused by an "act of vandalism", namely a "deliberately blocked toilet and a damaged flush mechanism".

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"We have quite a bit of vandalism," she said.

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Ministers say that a series of incidents organised by the group went further than minor vandalism, by causing millions of pounds in damage, justifying the decision to ban the group.

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However, several European governments have said that they have evidence of Russian agents recruiting young men to carry out acts of vandalism, arson, or even surveillance in their countries.

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The recent government shutdown left Joshua Tree National Park vulnerable to vandalism during peak visitor season, with the Mojave Desert Land Trust reporting graffiti and habitat destruction.

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Related Words

• mischief