vandalize — to deliberately damage or destroy public or private property
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to deliberately damage or destroy public or private property
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvændəlaɪz/
Example Sentences
- The teenagers were caught vandalizing the bus stop with colorful spray paint.
- My little brother vandalized my diary by drawing mustaches on all my photos.
- The angry customer was arrested for vandalizing the restaurant's windows.
vandalize
VERB[/ˈvændəlaɪz/]
to deliberately damage or destroy public or private property
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The term derives from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that invaded Rome in the 5th century, famously destroying numerous artworks and architectural monuments. The destructive nature of this historical event led to the coining of 'vandalism' as a term for deliberate destruction of property, which subsequently developed into the verb form 'vandalize'.
Breakdown
Vandal (name of the Germanic tribe) + -ize (verbal suffix meaning 'to make' or 'to engage in'). The suffix transforms the noun 'Vandal' into a verb expressing the act of destructive behavior historically associated with the tribe.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The teenagers were caught vandalizing the bus stop with colorful spray paint.”
“My little brother vandalized my diary by drawing mustaches on all my photos.”
“The angry customer was arrested for vandalizing the restaurant's windows.”
“Someone vandalized the statue by putting a funny hat on it and sunglasses.”
📚Related Words
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