vigilante
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.”
How to use vigilante
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomeone who dishes out their own version of justice, outside the law.
Don't confuse with "vigilant" (the adjective meaning watchful) — a vigilante is a person, vigilant describes a state of alertness.
Word forms
vigilantes plural, Vigilantes plural
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."
Synonyms
View more →Rhymes for vigilante
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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