lone wolf

[ lohn woolf ]

noun

1. a person who prefers to live, act, or work alone or independent of others.
2. a criminal who acts alone (often used attributively):

   lone-wolf terrorists.

lone wolf

noun

1. a person who prefers to be alone

Word History and Origins

Origin of lone wolf¹

An Americanism dating back to 1905–10

Idioms and Phrases

A person who prefers to do without the company or assistance of others. For example, Her nursery school teacher described Beth as a lone wolf, an assessment her parents found astonishing . This expression alludes to the tendency of some species of wolf to hunt alone rather than in packs. [c. 1900]

Example Sentences

With cyber criminal syndicates, nation states, lone wolves, we’ve had this perfect storm coming at us and the global pandemic accelerated it.

From Popular-Science

Bradley Beal opened a window into our uncomfortable vaccine divideIf authorities indicted Williams as the lone wolf in this scheme, maybe we could believe that only one selfish individual had attempted to defraud the plan the very year it started.

From Washington Post

They have radicalized individuals online who have acted as lone wolves in carrying out terrorist acts that are difficult for law enforcement to disrupt because they alone know of their plans.

From Vox

“Concerns of lone wolf actors are increasing,” according to the report, which noted that five people who took part in an armed demonstration at the Ohio Statehouse on Sunday have said they were traveling to Washington for the inauguration.

From Washington Post

“During this trip, I did as a lone wolf, I risked a lot,” he said.

From The Daily Beast

And his lone-wolf status may never be more apparent than at the bottom of his legal notice to Ferguson Mayor James Knowles.

From The Daily Beast

Throughout his trials, Rick attempted to act as a lone wolf.

From The Daily Beast

Look at the comment section too—this is no lone wolf sentiment.

From The Daily Beast

Yet after the proliferation of "lone wolf" attacks in recent years, and indeed in recent weeks, it all seems much more relevant.

From The Daily Beast

Ordinarily, in spite of the wild fire smouldering in his veins, Lone Wolf was well enough content.

From Project Gutenberg

Clearly visible, silhouetted against the low moon, Lone Wolf kept up his sinister chant to the unseen.

From Project Gutenberg

Then, with easy nonchalance, Lone Wolf lifted one huge hind paw and vigorously scratched his ear.

From Project Gutenberg

So Timmins kept quite still, looking inquiringly at Lone Wolf.

From Project Gutenberg

All at once, coming to a convenient log, he seated himself, and made Lone Wolf lie down at his feet.

From Project Gutenberg