vandalize
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: * To deliberately damage or destroy property, especially public property, in a senseless or malicious way.
Usage
The verb "vandalize" describes the intentional act of causing damage. It is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object (the thing that is damaged). * The primary meaning is to destroy or deface something, often public property like buildings, vehicles, or parks, without a rational purpose. * It implies a wanton, destructive, and often illegal action.
Examples
- Someone vandalized the bus stop by breaking the glass and spray-painting graffiti on it.
- The historical monument was vandalized overnight.
- It is a crime to vandalize public property.
Advanced Usage
- "to be vandalized": This passive voice construction is very common when describing the state of property after an attack.
- The empty building has been vandalized multiple times.
- The act itself is vandalism (noun).
- The vandalism of the school playground angered the entire community.
Variants and Related Words
- Vandalism (n): The crime of deliberately damaging property.
- Vandal (n): A person who vandalizes property.
Synonyms
- Deface: To spoil the surface or appearance of something (e.g., by drawing or writing on it).
- Trash (informal): To wreck or destroy something.
- Destroy: To damage something so severely that it no longer exists or functions.
- Wreck: To cause severe damage to something.
Antonyms
- Preserve: To maintain something in its original state.
- Protect: To keep safe from harm or damage.
- Restore: To return something to a good condition.
Related Phrases
- Acts of vandalism: Specific incidents of destructive behavior.
- The police are investigating a series of acts of vandalism in the downtown area.
Verb
- destroy wantonly, as through acts of vandalism
- vandalize the park