vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-də-ˌli-zəm 
: willful or malicious destruction or defacement of public or private property
Examples of vandalism in a Sentence
acts of theft and vandalism
He was arrested for vandalism.
Recent Examples on the Web
What To Know The vandalism consisted of the destruction of nine memorial wreaths, which were laid down on January 28 during a ceremony for to mark Holocaust Remembrance Day.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Recent happenings across the globe—from Australia to Canada—have reported concerning incidents including swastika vandalism being spray-painted on a synagogue.
—Irwin Cotler, TIME, 26 Jan. 2025
The vandalism was reported at 3 a.m. Sunday, and the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating, a police spokesman said.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
The cemetery’s gate regularly needs fixing and even replacing due to vandalism.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vandalism 
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 30 Jan. 2025
Recent happenings across the globe—from Australia to Canada—have reported concerning incidents including swastika vandalism being spray-painted on a synagogue.
—Irwin Cotler, TIME, 26 Jan. 2025
The vandalism was reported at 3 a.m. Sunday, and the NYPD’s Hate Crimes Task Force is investigating, a police spokesman said.
—John Annese, New York Daily News, 26 Jan. 2025
The cemetery’s gate regularly needs fixing and even replacing due to vandalism.
—Natalie Wallington, Kansas City Star, 25 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vandalism
Dictionary Entries Near vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 10 Feb. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvan-dᵊl-ˌiz-əm
: intentional destruction or damage to property
Legal Definition
vandalism
noun
van·dal·ism
ˈvand-ᵊl-ˌi-zəm
: the willful or malicious destruction or defacement of property
insurance covering property damage from vandalism and malicious mischief
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