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

1. destroy wantonly, as through acts of vandalism
   • vandalize the park