lone wolf

[ lohn woolf ]

noun

1. a person who prefers to live, act, or work alone or independent of others.
2. a criminal who acts alone (often used attributively):

   lone-wolf terrorists.

lone wolf

noun

1. a person who prefers to be alone

Word History and Origins

Origin of lone wolf¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

A person who prefers to do without the company or assistance of others. For example, Her nursery school teacher described Beth as a lone wolf, an assessment her parents found astonishing . This expression alludes to the tendency of some species of wolf to hunt alone rather than in packs. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

A lot of the violence is coming from lone wolves or single assailants.

From Los Angeles Times

It is unclear whether the ongoing attacks are by a lone wolf or a pack.

From BBC

Pitt, who has faced personal controversies, and Clooney, who maintains an image of domestic bliss with Amal Clooney, seem almost to mirror their characters’ dynamic- both lone wolves navigating personal and professional challenges.

From BBC

So yeah, I think now the current misconception is that he was a lone wolf acting alone.

From Salon

Officials at both sites — fearing threats including lone wolf gunmen and an array of radicals — have limited how close demonstrators can get to convention venues.

From Los Angeles Times