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.
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Examples of vigilante in a Sentence
Nabih Bulos, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 2025
It’s been seven years since I was followed by a vigilante down back roads in rural Canada.
—Matt Grobar, Deadline, 22 Jan. 2025
His heroes are often murderous vigilantes doling out death sentences to greedy politicians, officials and businessmen.
—Anupama Chopra, The Hollywood Reporter, 22 Jan. 2025
Zoom out: This is not the first time those in Trump's orbit embraced a vigilante.
—Ivana Saric, Axios, 13 Dec. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilante. Accessed 2 Feb. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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