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
Kathleen Magramo, CNN, 11 Mar. 2025
Today, news reports from the country of my birth cover everything from its scientists landing a spacecraft on the moon and victories in cricket to cow vigilantes lynching Muslim men on suspicion of eating beef and horrific accounts of violence to women.
—Amitava Kumar, The New Yorker, 8 Mar. 2025
Fueled by the fear that his new romantic partner might be taken from him forever, Caine goes on a daring vigilante mission to save her, backed by the full knowledge that no matter of pain can slow him down.
—Gregory Nussen, Deadline, 8 Mar. 2025
There is, for instance, a lengthy stretch where Born Again just wants to be a legal drama set in a superhero universe, where Matt’s new criminal defense client, Hector Ayala (Kamar de los Reyes), turns out to be obscure Marvel vigilante White Tiger.
—Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone, 4 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for vigilante
Articles Related to vigilante
Cite this Entry
“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilante. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
vigilante
noun
Share