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
Hope Karnopp, Journal Sentinel, 20 June 2024
Here is everything to know about The Boys cast from seasons 1 to 4.
Karl Urban as Billy Butcher
Karl Urban stars as Billy Butcher, leader of the titular vigilante group.
—Jessica Sager, Peoplemag, 14 June 2024
Wade decides to become a masked vigilante, turning down an invitation to join the X-Men and abandon his bad-boy ways.
—Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 22 Apr. 2024
Local people, alienated from the state, face extortion and abuse but often still look to vigilante groups and criminal organizations for protection.
—Vanda Felbab-Brown, Foreign Affairs, 27 Sep. 2018
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Cite this Entry
“Vigilante.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilante. Accessed 7 Jul. 2024.
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vigilante
noun
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