vandalize

[ van-dl-ahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, van·dal·ized, van·dal·iz·ing.

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

Rioters broke out windows and vandalized historic rooms, all while cowering behind the American flag.

From Washington Post

Inside the breached Capitol, the insurgents broke into congress’s offices, scaled the senate chamber balcony, carried the Confederate flag throughout the halls, looted a podium, and vandalized the House chamber.

From Fortune

They screamed threats, vandalized, and tried to pound open our door.

From Washington Post

Then, perhaps a security guard or other law enforcement official might make sure the box doesn’t get vandalized.

From Washington Post

In 2019, he charged the officers with official misconduct for vandalizing the cars of a citizen who complained about them.

From ProPublica

As long as we have baby-boomer nostalgia and Internet gossip, the tendencies to idolize or vandalize will be indulged.

From The Daily Beast

Related Words

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