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
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
The Iowa state capital, some 86 years ago, did away with Oct. 31 trick-or-treating in an effort to curb vandalism.
—Bychris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024
Keith Bach, 63, was arrested Sept. 25, 2023, by Chula Vista police for vandalism and making a criminal threat, according to jail records.
—Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 25 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vandalism 
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illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
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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
The Iowa state capital, some 86 years ago, did away with Oct. 31 trick-or-treating in an effort to curb vandalism.
—Bychris Morris, Fortune, 30 Oct. 2024
Keith Bach, 63, was arrested Sept. 25, 2023, by Chula Vista police for vandalism and making a criminal threat, according to jail records.
—Kelly Davis, The Mercury News, 25 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 17 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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