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Vandalise: meaning, definitions and examples

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vandalise

 

[ ˈvæn.dəl.aɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

property damage

To vandalise means to deliberately destroy or damage public or private property. This action often involves graffiti, breaking windows, or damaging buildings and other structures. Vandalism is generally viewed as a crime and can lead to legal consequences. It is frequently associated with acts of rebellion or defiance and can have significant social and financial implications for communities. Individuals who engage in vandalism may be motivated by various factors including anger, frustration, or a desire for attention.

Synonyms

damage, deface, destroy, ruin.

Examples of usage

  • Teenagers vandalised the park benches with spray paint.
  • It is illegal to vandalise someone else's property.
  • The school hired security to prevent students from vandalising the building.
  • They were caught vandalising the local bus stop.
  • The city spent thousands to repair buildings vandalised during the protest.

Translations

Translations of the word "vandalise" in other languages:

🇵🇹 vandalizar

🇮🇳 वंदलाइज करना

🇩🇪 vandalieren

🇮🇩 merusak

🇺🇦 вандалізувати

🇵🇱 wandalizować

🇯🇵 バンダリズムを行う

🇫🇷 vandaliser

🇪🇸 vandalizar

🇹🇷 vandalizm yapmak

🇰🇷 파괴하다

🇸🇦 تخريب

🇨🇿 vandalizovat

🇸🇰 vandalizovať

🇨🇳 破坏

🇸🇮 vandalizirati

🇮🇸 vandalísera

🇰🇿 вандализм жасау

🇬🇪 ვანდალიზმი

🇦🇿 vandallaşdırmaq

🇲🇽 vandalizar

Etymology

The term 'vandalise' originates from the name of the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 455 AD. Historically, the Vandals had a reputation for destruction and disorder, particularly in relation to art and culture. The term evolved to describe the actions of destroying property or public works without any empathy for the damage caused. In the early 19th century, the word began to be used more broadly to refer to acts of deliberate destruction or damage, particularly those that exhibit a lack of regard for property. This usage became more formalized with the rise of urban environments and the associated issues of graffiti and property crime. By the 20th century, 'vandalise' was widely accepted in legal contexts to denote acts of criminal damage.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,981, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.