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
Alyce Collins, MSNBC Newsweek, 4 July 2025
The good news is that Japan’s debt auctions are now attracting enough demand to calm nerves — and placate the bond vigilantes.
—William Pesek, Forbes.com, 3 July 2025
These collectives come in many forms, from crime-fighting vigilantes (Birds of Prey, The Heroic Trio) to musical acts (Spice World, Mamma Mia!) to simple friendships between older women (Steel Magnolias, Book Club).
—EW.com, 16 June 2025
Now comes Bryan Burrough’s new book, The Gunfighters: How Texas Made the West Wild, to end the scrubbing of Hardin’s life of crime, along with those of many other murdering cattle rustlers, cheating saloon gamblers, and quick-draw vigilantes.
—Clifford Krauss, Air Mail, 7 June 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 19 Jul. 2025.
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vigilante
noun
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