vandalism

American  

[van-dl-iz-uhm] / ˈvæn dlˌɪz əm /

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.

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vandalism British  

/ ˈvændəˌlɪzəm /

noun

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

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Other Word Forms

• vandalish adjective
• vandalistic adjective

Etymology

Origin of vandalism

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

Example Sentences

In Westwood, an activist with the group People’s Vision Zero was cited for vandalism while painting a crosswalk without a permit, highlighting the legal risks of unauthorized safety efforts.

From Los Angeles Times

Martine Letterie, one of the campaign's organisers, said concentration camps were increasingly the target of vandalism, including far-right imagery daubed on sites.

From Barron's

Minint said in a statement that "specialised forces" were investigating the "acts of vandalism".

From BBC

IPS UK, the firm that installed the machines, described the vandalism as "totally extraordinary".

From BBC

Writing about the vandalism, Fergus said: "I'm devastated someone could be so cruel and hurtful to my James."

From BBC

Related Words

• mischief