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
Police said that all of the juveniles were apprehended and booked for trespassing and vandalism before they were released to their guardians.
—
Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Places of worship, both synagogues and churches, have faced vandalism and threats.
—Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The rides had become old and outdated, and there were acts of vandalism.
—John Haddad, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles resident Kevin Antonio Hernandez was arrested Wednesday on felony vandalism charges.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
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Dean Fioresi, CBS News, 5 Apr. 2026
Places of worship, both synagogues and churches, have faced vandalism and threats.
—Fabienne Perlov, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 Apr. 2026
The rides had become old and outdated, and there were acts of vandalism.
—John Haddad, The Conversation, 3 Apr. 2026
Los Angeles resident Kevin Antonio Hernandez was arrested Wednesday on felony vandalism charges.
—Emily St. Martin, Los Angeles Times, 3 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 7 Apr. 2026.
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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