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Definition of vandalism

vandalism

/ˈvæn.dəl.ɪ.zəm/
van · dal · ism
Adverb:vandalistically
•
Plural:vandalisms
•
Adjective:vandalistic
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vandalism Lexical Profile

vandalism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The deliberate and malicious destruction, defacement, or damage of public or private property.

Example

"The city council installed security cameras in the park to deter late-night vandalism."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vandalism
Antonyms
View all antonyms for vandalism

• Nearby Words

vanda orchid
vanda orchids
vandal
vandalism
vandalistic
vandalization
vandalize

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from French 'vandalisme', coined in 1794 by Henri Grégoire, Bishop of Blois, to denounce the destruction of artworks during the French Revolution, in reference to the Vandals, an East Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 455 CE.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vandalism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vandalism
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