Skip to main content

vandalism — deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property

Part of speech: NOUN

Definition: deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈvændəlɪzəm/

Example Sentences

  • The teenagers were caught red-handed committing vandalism by spray-painting the subway station.
  • My neighbor considers my terrible lawn care as vandalism against the neighborhood's beauty.
  • The city installed security cameras to reduce vandalism in public parks.

vandalism

NOUN

[/ˈvændəlɪzəm/]

deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property

Deliberate destruction of public property
💡 Concept

Deliberate destruction of public property

Vandalism transforms cold capitalism into vibrant idealism!
🎵 Rhyme

Vandalism transforms cold capitalism into vibrant idealism!

Got the picture? Now let's practice.

🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈvændəlɪzəm/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈvændəlɪzəm/

🌳Etymology

Rootvandal
Suffix--ism

Origin

The term derives from the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that famously sacked Rome in 455 CE and destroyed cultural artifacts and monuments. The word 'vandalism' was coined in 18th-century France, specifically referring to the deliberate destruction of cultural and artistic property, drawing its meaning from the historical association of the Vandals with widespread destruction.

Breakdown

Vandal (the Germanic tribe known for destruction) + -ism (a practice, doctrine, or system of behavior), literally meaning 'the practice or behavior of the Vandals.'

🎵Rhyme

capitalism
idealism
realism

🔗Collocations

acts of vandalism
prevent vandalism
report vandalism
vandalism damage
graffiti vandalism
school vandalism

📝Examples

“The teenagers were caught red-handed committing vandalism by spray-painting the subway station.”

😄 Fun example

“My neighbor considers my terrible lawn care as vandalism against the neighborhood's beauty.”

“The city installed security cameras to reduce vandalism in public parks.”

😄 Fun example

“He claimed that modern art looks like expensive vandalism to him.”

📚Related Words

Want to master 27,000+ words?

Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.