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Vandalised Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vandalised

[หˆvรฆndษ™laษชzd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

act of destruction

Vandalised is the past tense of the verb vandalise, which refers to the intentional act of damaging or destroying property belonging to another person or entity. This act is often driven by a desire to express anger, frustration, or rebellion. Vandalism can take many forms, including graffiti, breaking windows, or defacing monuments. It is typically viewed as a criminal behavior and can lead to legal repercussions for those who engage in it. The effects of vandalism can be long-lasting, affecting community aesthetics and property values.

Synonyms

damaged, defaced, destroyed, ruined.

Examples of usage

  • The park was vandalised last night.
  • Her car was vandalised with spray paint.
  • The school was vandalised during the weekend.
  • They found the monument had been vandalised.
  • Several buildings were vandalised during the protest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term originates from the Vandals, a group of people in ancient times known for their destruction when they invaded Rome.
  • In the 18th century, the word began to be used in English to describe acts of destruction against cultural objects.

Legal Perspective

  • Vandalism is considered a criminal act in many countries, often leading to fines or community service.
  • Property owners can pursue civil lawsuits against vandals to get compensation for repairs.

Social Impact

  • Acts of vandalism can lead to increased community tension and can have lasting effects on neighborhood pride.
  • Public spaces that are vandalised can deter investment and tourism, impacting local economies.

Art and Expression

  • Some view graffiti as a form of artistic expression rather than vandalism, challenging conventional definitions.
  • In recent years, some cities have embraced street art, transitioning from viewing it purely as vandalism to recognizing its cultural value.

Psychological Factors

  • Research shows that individuals may vandalise due to feelings of anonymity or disassociation from the community.
  • Young people may engage in vandalism as a form of rebellion or to seek attention from peers.

Origin of 'vandalised'

The term 'vandalise' originates from the name of the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 455 AD. The Vandals became synonymous with destruction and barbarism due to their reputation for pillaging and vandalizing the cities they conquered. The verb 'vandalise' emerged in the English language in the late 18th century, specifically in the context of preserving cultural heritage against acts of mindless destruction. It was used to express concern over the protection of art and monuments from similar wanton destruction as that exhibited by the historical Vandals. Over time, the term has evolved to encompass a broader range of destructive behaviors towards property, becoming a common term in discussions about criminal activity and social issues.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,906, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.