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
Each state has its own laws and penalties surrounding theft and vandalism, but most states consider tampering with a political sign to be a misdemeanor.
—
Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Islamophobia and anti-Arab discrimination hit a fever pitch over the past year, ranging from disturbing rhetoric to vandalism to acts of violence.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024
Between 1920 and 1950, trick-or-treating became an inexpensive way for people to celebrate Halloween and avoid having their homes vandalized (hence, the trick in trick-or-treating) as vandalism has become a widespread part of October 31 celebrations, according to History.
—Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024
That night, Des Moines police answered 550 reports of vandalism – teenagers setting fires, breaking windows and sidelining street cars.
—Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vandalism 
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Colson Thayer, People.com, 25 Oct. 2024
Islamophobia and anti-Arab discrimination hit a fever pitch over the past year, ranging from disturbing rhetoric to vandalism to acts of violence.
—Caroline Kubzansky, Chicago Tribune, 6 Oct. 2024
Between 1920 and 1950, trick-or-treating became an inexpensive way for people to celebrate Halloween and avoid having their homes vandalized (hence, the trick in trick-or-treating) as vandalism has become a widespread part of October 31 celebrations, according to History.
—Mariyam Muhammad, The Enquirer, 31 Oct. 2024
That night, Des Moines police answered 550 reports of vandalism – teenagers setting fires, breaking windows and sidelining street cars.
—Maria Aguilar Prieto, CNN, 31 Oct. 2024
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 21 Nov. 2024.
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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