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
Ben Rosenstock, Time, 16 May 2025
He was raised in an abusive household by a father who was a gang leader, and has become a vigilante.
—James Brizuela, MSNBC Newsweek, 15 May 2025
Daredevil: Born Again Season 1 ended with first-term NYC mayor Wilson Fisk announcing to the city his Safer Streets plan, which involves an 8 pm curfew, zero tolerance for vigilantes, and the declaration of martial law.
—Rebecca Luther, TVLine, 13 May 2025
Read some of the Statesman’s award-winning articles below, including coverage of a Greenbelt vigilante’s quest, prisoners using drones to obtain contraband cellphones, how the Bryan Kohberger trial could shape DNA case law and more.
—Sally Krutzig, Idaho Statesman, 5 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 22 May. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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