vigilante

[vij-uh-lan-tee]

noun

1. a member of a vigilance committee.

2. any person who takes the law into their own hands, such as by avenging a crime.

adjective

1. done violently and summarily, without recourse to lawful procedures.

   vigilante justice.

vigilante

/ ˌvɪdʒɪˈlæntɪ /

noun

1. one of an organized group of citizens who take upon themselves the protection of their district, properties, etc

2. Also called: vigilance man. a member of a vigilance committee

Other Word Forms

• vigilanteism noun
• vigilantism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigilante¹

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; from Spanish: literally, “vigilant”

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigilante¹

C19: from Spanish, from Latin vigilāre to keep watch

Example Sentences

Local resentment is rising, with social media vigilantes putting misbehaving tourists on blast - even as the Balinese maintain their world-famous hospitality.

From BBC

Do we really want to incentivize vigilantes like YouTube copycat Skeet Hansen, seen in the documentary machinating and uploading his own stakeouts, pitiful farces of justice with the catchphrase “You’ve just been Skeeted”?

From Los Angeles Times

The encampment faced violent attack April 30 and May 1, 2024, from a vigilante mob.

From Los Angeles Times

"I can only too easily see some vigilante patriots stopping people and demanding to see their ID and saying 'I am not carrying it or I don't have it' would no longer be an excuse."

From BBC

At times they are the subject of vigilante action.

From BBC