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
Livia Gershon, JSTOR Daily, 19 June 2025
Morales continued to say there was no threat to the community and is encouraging residents to stay vigilante.
—David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 8 June 2025
Still, Pearce is expecting a vigilante police presence at the event.
—Jackson Thompson, FOXNews.com, 30 May 2025
Similar acts of vigilante justice animate his film.
—Lila Seidman, Los Angeles Times, 14 May 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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