vandalize

American  

[van-dl-ahyz] / ˈvæn dlˌaɪz /

especially British, vandalise

verb (used with object)

vandalized, vandalizing

1. to destroy or deface by vandalism.

   Someone vandalized the museum during the night.

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vandalize British  

/ ˈvændəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

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Etymology

Origin of vandalize

First recorded in 1790–1800; vandal + -ize

Example Sentences

The only time Arzu called the police when he was living there was when he saw “young kids” vandalize a neighbor’s home.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 11, 2023

Yet Twombly grasped, I think, that life is plotless, that meaninglessness reigns — hence, perhaps, his urge to deface, to vandalize.

From Washington Post • Jan. 14, 2023

Mr. Jordan said he believes the Department of Justice has the ability to prosecute people who vandalize crisis pregnancy centers.

From Washington Times • Jan. 11, 2023

If boys vandalize bathrooms with the products, that shouldn’t curtail access, some people in favor of the rule wrote.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 18, 2022

“And yes, if they’re going to go through all the hassle to vandalize one of my books, you’d think they’d check their spelling.”

From "The Parker Inheritance" by Varian Johnson

Related Words

• deface
• demolish
• raze
• smash
• trash
• wreck