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
Airport Actions Threaten Travelers and Stars Airports were the site of protests, shutdowns and vandalism in 2024.
—
Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The suspect, a 24-year-old San Jose resident, was booked into Santa Clara County main jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, possession of graffiti tools and resisting arrest.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
In response to public outcry, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas proposed the Back to Business Grant in September to help small businesses recover from burglary and vandalism incidents.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025
Overnight curfews have been in place to protect against vandalism and robberies, as well as to keep the areas clear for firefighters who have to continue working in the dark, authorities said.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for vandalism 
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Michael Goldstein, Forbes, 15 Jan. 2025
The suspect, a 24-year-old San Jose resident, was booked into Santa Clara County main jail on suspicion of felony vandalism, possession of graffiti tools and resisting arrest.
—Nollyanne Delacruz, The Mercury News, 15 Jan. 2025
In response to public outcry, Kansas City Mayor Quinton Lucas proposed the Back to Business Grant in September to help small businesses recover from burglary and vandalism incidents.
—Noelle Alviz-Gransee, Kansas City Star, 13 Jan. 2025
Overnight curfews have been in place to protect against vandalism and robberies, as well as to keep the areas clear for firefighters who have to continue working in the dark, authorities said.
—Andrea Chang, Los Angeles Times, 12 Jan. 2025
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 24 Jan. 2025.
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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