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
ArsTechnica, 13 May 2026
Activists say the real death toll may never be known, with users and small-time peddlers gunned down almost daily in mysterious slumland killings blamed on vigilantes and turf wars.
—Reuters, NBC news, 13 May 2026
Like the comics, Bernthal’s Punisher was a loose-cannon, gun-toting vigilante overflowing with grief from the shocking murders of his wife and children.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 13 May 2026
The two become vigilantes while running from police.
—Los Angeles Times, 13 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 18 May. 2026.
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vigilante
noun
