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, Vulture, 25 Mar. 2025
This one has Skarsgard as Eddie, a deadbeat but well-meaning dad to Sarah (Ashley Cartwright) and petty thief whose attempt to steal a luxury SUV turns into disaster because its unseen psycho vigilante owner named William (Anthony Hopkins) has rigged it so bad things happen.
—Pete Hammond, Deadline, 20 Mar. 2025
To me, a superhero movie is something where a person becomes a vigilante of some kind and goes out as one multiple times.
—Brian Davids, The Hollywood Reporter, 13 Mar. 2025
After learning that his client Hector (Kamar de los Reyes) is the vigilante known as White Tiger, Matt (Charlie Cox) has his hands full trying to keep the secret and still prepare his defense.
—Proma Khosla, IndieWire, 12 Mar. 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 15 Apr. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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