vandalism
VAN-duh-liz-uhm
/ˈvændəlɪzəm/
The deliberate destruction of or damage to public or private property.
Vandalism implies intentional, often senseless, damage. It's distinct from accidental damage or damage caused during a larger crime (like burglary) where the primary intent wasn't just destruction.
The story behind the word. The word 'vandalism' is relatively modern, coined in 1794 by Henri Grégoire, Bishop of Blois, during the French Revolution. He used it to describe the destruction of art and cultural artifacts by revolutionary armies, likening their actions to those of the Vandals, a Germanic tribe that sacked Rome in 455 AD and was historically (though perhaps unfairly) associated with wanton destruction. The term quickly caught on to describe any senseless destruction of property.
Word relationships
- graffiti: A specific type of vandalism involving writing or drawings on surfaces, often without permission.
- malicious mischief: A legal term that can encompass vandalism, but also other acts of intentional harm to property or persons.
- preservation: The act of keeping something in its original state.
- restoration: The act of returning something to its former condition.
Commonly confused with
- destruction: Destruction is a broader term for causing damage; vandalism specifies that the destruction is deliberate, often senseless, and targets property.
Word family
- vandal (noun): a person who deliberately destroys or damages public or private property
- vandalize (verb): to deliberately destroy or damage (property)
Collocations
- acts of vandalism
- prevent vandalism
- graffiti and vandalism
- cost of vandalism
Example sentences
- "The community was outraged by the senseless vandalism that marred the newly painted mural." The park benches were defaced by acts of vandalism.
- "Security cameras were installed to deter vandalism in the subway stations." Preventing vandalism is a priority for city authorities.
Memory hook
The 'VANDALS' were a tribe known for 'VANDALISM' and destroying things. Vandals destroy
When not to use
Do not use 'vandalism' for accidental damage or wear and tear. It specifically refers to deliberate acts of destruction.
Fun facts
- The historical Vandals, while they did sack Rome, were not necessarily more destructive than other invading forces of the time; their reputation for wanton destruction was largely solidified by later historical accounts and the coining of this term.
- Vandalism can range from minor acts like graffiti to significant damage to buildings or infrastructure.
Related words
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