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

Derived Forms

• ˌvandalˈistic, adjective

Other Words From

• vandal·istic vandal·ish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vandalism¹

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

Example Sentences

Maccabi fans were themselves involved in vandalism, tearing down a Palestinian flag, attacking a taxi and chanting anti-Arab slogans, according to city authorities.

From BBC

"If the party opposite continues with this act of constitutional vandalism they ain't seen nothing yet," he warned.

From BBC

The city's mayor, María José Catalá, posted pictures of broken windows and a video appearing to show a fire being started on social media, adding: "Vandalism is not the solution."

From BBC

Valencia City Council condemned "vandalism", saying the city had also been affected by the floods.

From BBC

A 13-year-old boy has been charged over vandalism at a car dealership in Edinburgh that resulted in £20,000 worth of damage.

From BBC

Related Words

• mischief