Vandals

Cultural  

1. A people of northern Europe, known for their cruelty and destructiveness, who invaded the Roman Empire and plundered Rome itself in the fifth century.

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The term vandalism, meaning wanton destructiveness, comes from the name of the Vandals.

Example Sentences

‘Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater’ sold millions of copies and introduced a new generation to punk bands like Goldfinger, the Suicide Machines and the Vandals.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

When Augustine died in 430, the Vandals, a barbarian people who had crossed the Rhine decades earlier and already fought their way through Gaul and Iberia, had reached the gates of Hippo.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 19, 2025

The story, such as it is, traces the evolution of a fictional Chicago-area motorcycle club, the Vandals, from its racer origins.

From New York Times • Jun. 20, 2024

Beattie, whose hits include Salamander Street and Vandals, says dealing with knock-backs have been among his biggest challenges.

From BBC • May 31, 2024

There’s a fancy litde guardhouse on the island, like something the kings and queens in history would have built to keep out the serfs, or the Vandals, or whoever.

From "Tangerine" by Edward Bloor