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
Nick Romano, EW.com, 18 Apr. 2025
Just as Matt realizes one of the officers killed White Tiger (Kamar de los Reyes), a grenade is launched through the window, and the two vigilantes painfully jump down to the street.
—Jordan Moreau, Variety, 16 Apr. 2025
Fisk gets updated on Matt’s condition, and plants in Buck’s ear the idea that the fearless lawyer who took a bullet for the mayor serves them better as a dead hero than an alive vigilante.
—Matt Webb Mitovich, TVLine, 15 Apr. 2025
On top of hedge funds unwinding on positions, bond vigilantes imposing their fiscal discipline and ensuring that whatever Trump wants to do is put in check likely catapulted in the selling of UST holdings, observed Newnaha.
—Lee Ying Shan, CNBC, 15 Apr. 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 28 Apr. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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