What does vandal mean?
A vandal is a person who deliberately damages or destroys property, often as an act of malice, protest, or public disorder. The word can refer to an individual responsible for graffiti, broken windows, vandalism, or damage to public or private property. In contemporary English, it is more common to use “vandal” as a noun and to use “vandalism” for the activity; “vandalize” is also widely used when describing what someone has done to an object or building. The verb “vandal,” though found in dictionaries, is less frequent. Historically, “vandal” referred to the Vandal people, a Germanic group associated with the sack of Rome in 455 CE. Their reputation gave the modern word its strongly negative connotation. Today, it remains a useful and memorable term because it identifies not merely a person who causes damage, but one whose destructive behavior is deliberate, often wanton, and difficult to excuse.
A person who deliberately damages or destroys property, especially maliciously or as an act of protest.
"A vandal smashed the windows of the local library."
Usually negative and often used for someone who commits acts of graffiti, vandalism, or public disorder.
To deliberately damage or destroy property.
"They vandal the empty building after dark."
Less common than the noun and than the more usual verb “vandalize.”
The standard plural refers to multiple people who deliberately damage or destroy property.
"The vandals were caught on a nearby security camera."
The word “vandal” comes from the ancient Vandal people, whose sack of Rome in the fifth century made them notorious for destructive behavior.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of vandal
The English word comes through French “vandal,” from Latin “Vandalus,” the name used for an ancient Germanic people. The name was historically applied to the group associated with the sack of Rome in the fifth century. Their destructive actions helped establish the word’s modern sense of a person who maliciously damages property. “Vandalic,” “vandalism,” and “vandalize” continue the same etymological tradition.
Related word forms
How vandal is actually used
“Vandal” is primarily a noun for an individual. “Vandalism” is more common when referring to the destructive activity itself. As a verb, “vandal” is relatively uncommon, and “vandalize” is usually preferred.