vigilante
noun
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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.
Examples of vigilante in a Sentence
Arturo Conde, NBC News, 5 Mar. 2025
Bond vigilantes are likely to keep President Trump on his toes.
—Sergei Klebnikov, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2025
In Daredevil: Born Again, de los Reyes can be seen in multiple episodes as Hector Ayala, a martial arts master who draws powers from magical Jade Tiger amulets and suits up as a vigilante known as White Tiger.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 28 Feb. 2025
As Clay goes berserker mode in his quest for vengeance, the film turns into the kind of actioner audiences expect from Statham — with his gruff, baldheaded vigilante leaving a bloody trail in his wake, but ultimately beating the bad guys.
—Angelique Jackson, Variety, 27 Feb. 2025
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Cite this Entry
“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilante. Accessed 12 Mar. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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