vandalize

especially British, van·dal·ise

[van-dl-ahyz]

verb (used with object)

vandalized, vandalizing 

1. to destroy or deface by vandalism.

   Someone vandalized the museum during the night.

vandalize

/ ˈvændəˌlaɪz /

verb

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of vandalize¹

First recorded in 1790–1800; vandal + -ize

Example Sentences

Fateh’s campaign office in Minneapolis was vandalized with a message that read, “Somali Muslim — this warning is no joke.”

From Salon

The police version of events said officers were summoned about 2:30 a.m. on Tuesday to a robbery call in the 700 block of W. Channel Street, where they found Nielsen vandalizing the store.

From Los Angeles Times

To be sure, a handful of those protesters made the demonstrations less productive by setting police and private vehicles on fire and vandalizing storefronts, causing significant damage.

From Salon

"In France, not a day passes without Jews assaulted in the street, synagogues or schools defaced, or Jewish-owned businesses vandalized. Your own Interior Ministry has reported antisemitic incidents even at preschools."

From BBC

John Williams, 32, of Ventura admitted this week that he had vandalized public and private property with swastikas.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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