'vandalize' originates from the word 'vandal,' which refers to a member of a Germanic tribe known for sacking Rome in 455 AD.

'vandal' transformed into the verb 'vandalize' in the 20th century to describe the act of destruction similar to that attributed to the Vandals.

Initially, it referred to the actions of the Vandals, but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'deliberately destroying property.'