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
Josh Weiss, Forbes.com, 29 Aug. 2025
The company also shared quotes from police, attorneys, and academics describing how vigilante groups may interfere with investigations or employ methods that undermine criminal cases against offenders.
—Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 25 Aug. 2025
By and large, these companies provide products that protect digital infrastructure against cyberattacks—whether from vigilante hackers or hostile foreign governments.
—Andrei Soldatov, Foreign Affairs, 25 Aug. 2025
The show, which follows the DC Universe's Peacemaker, an egotistical vigilante played by John Cena, introduced a whole new dimensional twist in the season 2 premiere but still had plenty of jokes, fighting and of course, dancing.
—Colleen Kratofil, People.com, 22 Aug. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilante
Cite this Entry
“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilante. Accessed 4 Sep. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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