noun Uncommon

vigilante

vihj-ih-LAN-tee

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Vigilante (noun) means a person who takes it upon themselves to punish wrongdoing or enforce justice without legal authority. Example: “The film follows a vigilante who hunts down criminals the police can't catch.”

noun

A person who takes it upon themselves to punish wrongdoing or enforce justice without legal authority.

"The film follows a vigilante who hunts down criminals the police can't catch."

"Local vigilantes patrolled the streets after a string of break-ins."

How to use vigilante

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone who dishes out their own version of justice, outside the law.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "vigilant" (the adjective meaning watchful) — a vigilante is a person, vigilant describes a state of alertness.

Easily confused with

vigilant →

Common pairings

vigilante justice act as a vigilante vigilante group

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: vigilantes

Test yourself on “vigilante” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The film follows a _____ who hunts down criminals the police can't catch.

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish vigilante ("watchman, guard"), from Latin vigilans ("watchful") — a doublet of "vigilant."

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

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vigilance man

Rhymes for vigilante

ante Dante debutante Escalante dilettante comandante

See all rhymes for vigilante →

Frequently asked questions

What does “vigilante” mean?

The word “vigilante” means a person who takes it upon themselves to punish wrongdoing or enforce justice without legal authority. In plain terms, someone who dishes out their own version of justice, outside the law.

How do you pronounce “vigilante”?

“Vigilante” is pronounced vihj-ih-LAN-tee (/ˌvɪd͡ʒ.əˈlæn.ti/ in IPA).

How do you use “vigilante” in a sentence?

Here is “vigilante” used in a sentence: “The film follows a vigilante who hunts down criminals the police can't catch.”

What part of speech is “vigilante”?

“Vigilante” is a noun.

Where does the word “vigilante” come from?

The word “vigilante” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Spanish vigilante ("watchman, guard"), from Latin vigilans ("watchful") — a doublet of "vigilant.".

Is “vigilante” a common word?

“Vigilante” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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