vigilante

noun

vig·​i·​lan·​te ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-tē 

: a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law are viewed as inadequate)

broadly : a self-appointed doer of justice

vigilantism

ˌvi-jə-ˈlan-ˌti-zəm 

noun

Did you know?

The Meaning and Origin of Vigilante

Vigilante entered English in the 19th century, borrowed from the Spanish word of the same spelling which meant “watchman, guard” in that language. The Spanish word can be traced back to the Latin vigilare, meaning “to keep awake.” The earliest use of the word in English was to refer to a member of a vigilance committee, a committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily, as when the processes of law appear inadequate. The word may often be found in an attributive role, as in the phrases “vigilante justice,” or “vigilante group.” In this slightly broadened sense it carries the suggestion of the enforcement of laws without regard to due process or the general rule of law.

Synonyms

• avenger
• castigator
• chastiser
• nemesis
• punisher
• scourge

Examples of vigilante in a Sentence

the danger of these self-appointed vigilantes is that they sometimes go after innocent people

Recent Examples on the Web

Following a team of vigilantes who want to stop the rise of megalomaniac superheroes, The Boys satirizes the likes of Marvel and DC, showing what could happen if Superman and Batman weren't so heroic. —Gord Magill, Newsweek, 22 Dec. 2024

Bond vigilantes have been signaling concerns over several areas: 1) inflation, 2) deficits and 3) tariffs and 4) tax cuts. —Bob Pisani, CNBC, 19 Dec. 2024

Alawites now whisper of vigilante attacks and neighbors forced to flee their homes at gunpoint. —Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025

It’s been seven years since I was followed by a vigilante down back roads in rural Canada. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, watchman, guard, from vigilante vigilant, from Latin vigilant-, vigilans

First Known Use

1856, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

vigilante

noun

vig·​i·​lan·​te ˌvij-ə-ˈlant-ē 

: a member of a group of volunteers who decide on their own to stop crime and to punish criminals