I. ˈvand ə l, ˈvaan- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin Vandalus (singular), Vandalii (plural), of Germanic origin
1. usually capitalized : one of a Germanic people anciently dwelling south of the Baltic between the Vistula and the Oder, overrunning Gaul, Spain, and northern Africa in the 4th and 5th centuries A.D. and in 455 entering Italy, sacking Rome, and destroying many monuments of art and literature, and being overthrown in their final stronghold in No. Africa by Belisarius in 534 — see herminones
2.
a. : one who willfully destroys or mars something beautiful (as a work of art)
b. : a wanton or ignorant destroyer or defacer of a building or monument that should be preserved
although abandoned and exposed to the elements and to vandals for centuries, the walls of these buildings stand strong — R.W.Murray
II. adjective
1. usually capitalized : of, relating to, or characteristic of the Vandals
2. : carelessly or ignorantly destructive : given to vandalism