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
Eduardo Cuevas, USA Today, 10 Oct. 2025
The superhero show stars John Cena as Chris Smith, a superhero vigilante named Peacemaker, who was first introduced in 2021's The Suicide Squad.
—Caroline Blair, PEOPLE, 10 Oct. 2025
Ronee Blakley, meanwhile, delivers the film’s most haunting performance as a mother who drinks to forget her role in the vigilante violence that birthed Freddy’s oneiric killing spree.
—Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 9 Oct. 2025
In Season 2, Cross is in pursuit of a ruthless vigilante who is hunting down corrupt billionaire magnates.
—Rosy Cordero, Deadline, 9 Oct. 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 15 Oct. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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