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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
Over the years, Pompeii and other sites across Italy have experienced increasingly aggressive vandalism, from the casual and careless discarding of trash to the more aggressive defacement of ancient sites.
—Erica Firpo, AFAR Media, 31 Dec. 2024
In a statement on Facebook, the bureau characterized the act as vandalism.
—Dennis Romero, NBC News, 30 Dec. 2024
Lemonade Homeowners Insurance Learn More Cost Starts at $25/month; can vary by state, age of the home and other factors
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Policy highlights
Policy covers your home and property for damages caused by wildfires, extreme weather, crime, and vandalism.
—Liz Knueven, CNBC, 28 Dec. 2024
Additionally, one staff member mentioned an incident of vandalism in the staff housing, raising concerns about potential crime in the village.
—Arlyssa D. Becenti, The Arizona Republic, 12 Dec. 2024
See all Example Sentences for vandalism
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Word History
First Known Use
1798, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near vandalism
Cite this Entry
“Vandalism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vandalism. Accessed 22 Jan. 2025.
Kids 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
More from Merriam-Webster on vandalism
Nglish: Translation of vandalism for Spanish Speakers
Britannica English: Translation of vandalism for Arabic Speakers
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