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
Officers arrested a 31-year-old Hayward man and a 49-year-old Richmond man on charges, including vandalism and damaging telephone lines, police said.
—
Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024
But even in Boise, the reminder that LGBTQ+ pride continues to be a target of theft and vandalism is worrisome to people like Erik Hagen, board president and planning and zoning chair of the North End Neighborhood Association.
—Samuel O’Neal, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2024
Advertisement The graffiti sparked a lively debate among Angelenos about the line between art and vandalism.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024
The incident was part of numerous demonstrations related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza that led to vandalism in several New York City locations last week.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for vandalism 
Don Sweeney, Sacramento Bee, 26 June 2024
But even in Boise, the reminder that LGBTQ+ pride continues to be a target of theft and vandalism is worrisome to people like Erik Hagen, board president and planning and zoning chair of the North End Neighborhood Association.
—Samuel O’Neal, Idaho Statesman, 24 June 2024
Advertisement The graffiti sparked a lively debate among Angelenos about the line between art and vandalism.
—Hannah Fry, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2024
The incident was part of numerous demonstrations related to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza that led to vandalism in several New York City locations last week.
—Aaron Katersky, ABC News, 19 June 2024
See all Example Sentences for vandalism
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vandalism.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 2 Jul. 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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