vigilante
noun
Did you know?
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
Ryan Lattanzio, IndieWire, 4 June 2026
Howard played a detective investigating Foster, a New York City radio host who turns vigilante seeking revenge after her fiance is beaten to death.
—Kansas City Star, 4 June 2026
He is occasionally asked to comment on acts of public violence, compelled to defend the many vigilantes who have appeared in his wake.
—Kevin Lozano, Harpers Magazine, 2 June 2026
Advertisers began to get cold feet about the vigilante-like tactics used to investigate alleged predators.
—Toni Fitzgerald, Forbes.com, 28 May 2026
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 Jun. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vigilante
noun
