Vandalism Meaning
/ˈvændəlɪzm̩/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
nounWillful damage to or destruction of any property, such as graffiti or defacement.
Sentence Examples
Vandalism is on the rise.
Egging is a form of vandalism.
Vandalism is a significant problem in this part of the city.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The city council imposed heavy fines to discourage ____ of public monuments.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The local council is working hard to reduce the amount of ____ in the park and keep the area clean for everyone today.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from French vandalisme, first used by Henri Grégoire to decry the pillage and destruction of art in the course of the French Revolution, in reference to the East Germanic tribe of the Vandals, which looted Rome in 455. By surface analysis, vandal + -ism.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Bradford once boasted two stations with overall roofs. The pair were swept away in the 1970s in an act of corporate and civic vandalism."
— 2022 November 2, Paul Bigland, “New trains, old trains, and splendid scenery”, in RAIL, number 969, page 57:
"President Donald Trump seemed to issue a warning to individuals who participate in Tesla vandalisms, as reports of destruction to vehicles, dealerships and charging stations surge across the country. […] When asked about his comments at the White House on Friday afternoon, Trump called the vandalism suspects "terrorists" and appeared to argue what was happening with Tesla vehicles was worse than what happened during the Jan. 6 riots at the Capitol."
— 2025 March 22, Megan Forrester, “Trump suggests Tesla vandals should be sent to prison in El Salvador”, in ABC News:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The city council imposed heavy fines to discourage ____ of public monuments.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The local council is working hard to reduce the amount of ____ in the park and keep the area clean for everyone today.