vandal-
(Latin: wanderer)
Of Teutonic origin, now used in the sense of "acting barbarously" or "destroying".
Vandal
Etymologically: Latin, Vandalus (s), Vandali (pl); a name of Teuktonic origin; probably literally meaning "wanderers" and relat4d to German wandeln, "to wander".
vandal, vandals
1. Someone who willfully or maliciously defaces or destroys public or private property.
2. a person who willfully or ignorantly destroys or mars something beautiful or valuable.
3. A member of a Germanic people that overran Gaul, Spain, and northern Africa in the fourth and fifth centuries A.D. and sacked Rome in 455.
There does not seem to be in the story of the capture of Rome by the Vandals any justification for the charge of willful and objectless destruction of public buildings which is implied in the word "vandalism". It is probable that this charge grew out of the fierce persecution which was carried on by [the Vandal king] Gaiseric and his son against the Catholic Christians, and which is the darkest stain on their characters.
— Encyclopedia Britannica, 13th Ed., 1926.
Vandalic, vandalic
1. When capitalized, pertaining to, or characteristic of the Vandals.
2. Of or pertaining to vandalism.
vandalism, vandalistic
1. Willful or malicious destruction of public or private property.
2. Deliberately mischievous or malicious destruction or damage of property: "It is easy to see the vandalism to public buildings."
3. The conduct or spirit characteristic of the Vandals.
4. Willful or ignorant destruction of artistic or literary treasures.
5. A vandalic act.
vandalize, vandalise (British)
To destroy or deface by vandalism.
Info about Vandal misnomer.
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