Vandal: meaning, definitions and examples
๐จ
vandal
[หvรฆndl ]
Definitions
criminal behavior
A vandal is a person who deliberately damages or destroys property belonging to others.
Synonyms
destroyer, hooligan, saboteur.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
vandal |
Typically used to describe someone who deliberately damages property, usually public or common areas.
|
destroyer |
Often used in a more general sense to refer to someone or something that causes extensive destruction or ruin. Can refer to both physical destruction and abstract concepts like 'destroyer of dreams'.
|
hooligan |
Usually used to refer to a rowdy or violent person, especially in the context of sporting events or public disturbances. Has a more specific connotation of disorderly behavior.
|
saboteur |
Used to describe someone who deliberately destroys or obstructs something, often for political or strategic reasons. It carries a connotation of intentional, secretive actions.
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Examples of usage
- The vandals broke the windows of the shop.
- The park was covered in graffiti by the vandals.
- The school caught the vandal who was painting on the walls.
historical context
Vandal refers to one of the Germanic tribes who invaded and settled in North Africa in the 5th century AD.
Synonyms
Germanic tribe, barbarian, invader.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
vandal |
This word is best used to describe someone who deliberately damages or destroys property, often public property such as buildings, monuments, or cars. It carries a negative connotation.
|
Germanic tribe |
This term is appropriate when referring to historical groups of people living in Northern Europe before and during the early Middle Ages, typically in an academic or educational setting.
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barbarian |
Use this word to describe someone perceived as uncivilized, rude, or brutish, particularly in a historical or metaphorical sense. It can also have a derogatory meaning.
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invader |
This word is most suitably used to describe someone or a group that enters a place, especially a country, by force with the intent to conquer or occupy. It often describes military contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The Vandals established a kingdom in North Africa.
- The Vandal warriors were known for their fierce fighting skills.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'vandal' comes from a Germanic tribe known for destroying the city of Rome in 455 AD, giving their name a lasting negative connotation.
- Vandals were seen as barbarians in the context of the Roman Empire, and their actions were documented by historians, influencing Art and culture's view of destruction.
Cultural References
- In literature, the term has been used metaphorically to describe individuals or groups that deface artistic works, like graffiti artists in modern discussions.
- Films portray vandals as antiheroes, often romanticizing their rebellious actions against authority figures or societal norms.
Psychology
- Research suggests that vandalism may stem from a desire for power or control, often linked to feelings of frustration or social alienation.
- The act of vandalism can sometimes be an expression of identity for youth, as they seek to mark their presence in a way that feels significant to them.
Legal Perspectives
- In many jurisdictions, vandalism is considered a criminal offense, subject to fines and community service as penalties.
- Laws against vandalism often aim to protect public properties and cultural landmarks, reflecting society's value on preserving shared heritage.
Art and Society
- Street art is often seen as a form of vandalism, leading to debate about the boundaries between art and destruction in urban environments.
- Some public artists have transformed areas known for vandalism into legitimate art spaces, challenging the negative perception of these acts.
Translations
Translations of the word "vandal" in other languages:
๐ต๐น vรขndalo
๐ฎ๐ณ เคตเฅเคเคกเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Vandal
๐ฎ๐ฉ vandal
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะฐะฝะดะฐะป
๐ต๐ฑ wandal
๐ฏ๐ต ใดใกใณใใซ
๐ซ๐ท vandale
๐ช๐ธ vรกndalo
๐น๐ท vandal
๐ฐ๐ท ๋ฐ๋ฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ูุงูุฏุงู
๐จ๐ฟ vandal
๐ธ๐ฐ vandal
๐จ๐ณ ็ ดๅ่
๐ธ๐ฎ vandal
๐ฎ๐ธ vandal
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะฒะฐะฝะดะฐะป
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ vandal
๐ฒ๐ฝ vรกndalo