What does vandalize mean?
Vandalize means to deliberately damage, deface, or destroy property, especially a building, monument, vehicle, or work of art. The action can involve graffiti, breakage, fire, or other destructive behavior, and the word often suggests damage motivated by vandalism, hostility, protest, or disregard for the property's value. It is commonly used in news reports and legal descriptions: vandals may be said to vandalize a building, a park, or public transportation. Vandalize is distinct from the noun vandal, which refers to the person carrying out the act, although the words share a historical origin. The term can be used broadly for serious destruction or, more narrowly, for intentional defacement. Its strong negative connotation makes it useful when the deliberate and disrespectful nature of the damage needs to be emphasized.
verbTo deliberately damage or deface property, especially a building, monument, vehicle, or work of art, in a destructive or disrespectful way.
- To deliberately damage or deface property or a place, especially by breaking, destroying, or writing graffiti on it.
"The historic building was vandalized overnight, with graffiti covering its windows and doors."
"Protesters vandalized several storefronts during the demonstration."
"Someone had vandalized the sculpture, scratching crude symbols into its surface."
The word remembers the Vandals, the ancient people whose sack of Rome made destruction synonymous with cultural mayhem.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does vandalize come from?
The word is derived from the name Vandal, referring to the Germanic people associated with the destructive sack of Rome in the fifth century. English developed the related term vandalism for intentional damage to property, and vandalize was formed on the same historical base with the English verb-forming suffix -ize. The resulting spelling is standard in American English, while British English often uses the variant vandalise.
Related word forms
How vandalize is actually used
Vandalize is generally transitive, but it can also be used intransitively, as in "They vandalized at night." It is used in formal, journalistic, and everyday contexts and carries a strongly negative connotation. British English also commonly spells it vandalise.
Easily confused with vandalize
A vandal is a person who deliberately damages or defaces property, whereas vandalize is the action of doing so.