Vandalize: meaning, definitions and examples

Typically used when referring to the deliberate act of damaging or destroying property, often public or cultural property, with a negative connotation.

• The ancient statue was vandalized by unknown individuals last night.
• The school suffered multiple incidents of vandalism over the summer.

Used when referring to harm or injury caused to a thing, building, or structure, either accidentally or intentionally. It's a more neutral term compared to 'vandalize'.

• The storm caused significant damage to the roof of the house.
• The paint job was damaged when someone scratched the car.

Primarily used for situations where the appearance of something, such as a public or private property, is marred or disfigured intentionally, usually by writing or drawing on it.

• Someone defaced the monument by spray-painting graffiti all over it.
• The library books were defaced with scribbles and doodles across the pages.

This word is used when something is completely ruined or made unusable. It is more intense than 'damage' and often involves total annihilation.

• The wildfire destroyed several homes in the neighborhood.
• The documents were destroyed to protect sensitive information.