B1noun 10K+

Vandal

UK //ˈvændəl// US //ˈvændəl// Pronunciation

Definition

A person who willfully destroys or damages property.

Listen to definition

In simple words: A person who deliberately damages property.

Examples

• The police caught a vandal defacing the school wall.
• Local shops were damaged by a group of vandals last night.
• The city spent a lot of money repairing vandalized public art.
• The museum is installing security cameras to prevent vandals.
• Be careful; that area has been known for vandal activity.

Usage notes

Typically used in legal or social contexts; can describe actions against public property. Not usually used in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

vandal + object

Memory hint

Think of 'vandal' as 'vandalizing' - imagine someone spraying graffiti on a wall.

Collocations

• vandal attacks
• vandal behavior
• vandal charges
• vandalism laws

Synonyms

• defacer
• destroyer
• damager
• saboteur

Antonyms

• protector
• defender

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'vanguard', which means the forefront of an action.
• Using it as a verb; 'vandal' is strictly a noun.