# vandalism

/ˈvændəɫɪzəm/ (US) · /vˈændəlˌɪzəm/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/vandalism
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

the act of damaging or destroying property on purpose. You use this word when someone breaks a window or sprays paint on a wall that isn't theirs.

For teachers: the deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property. Often used in legal or sociological contexts to describe non-consensual physical alteration of an environment.

## Examples

- The park was closed after a night of vandalism.
- Local authorities are installing more security cameras to prevent vandalism in the city's historic district.
- While some view street art as a form of cultural expression, the law typically treats any unauthorised painting on public infrastructure as a punishable act of vandalism.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable in its general sense; specific acts are usually referred to as 'acts of vandalism' rather than 'vandalisms'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.