vigilante

American  

[vij-uh-lan-tee] / ˌvɪdʒ əˈlæn ti /

noun

1. a member of a vigilance committee.

2. any person who takes the law into their own hands, such as by avenging a crime.

---

adjective

1. done violently and summarily, without recourse to lawful procedures.

   vigilante justice.

vigilante British  

/ ˌvɪdʒɪˈlæntɪ /

noun

1. one of an organized group of citizens who take upon themselves the protection of their district, properties, etc

2. Also called: vigilance man.  a member of a vigilance committee

---

Other Word Forms

• vigilanteism noun
• vigilantism noun

Etymology

Origin of vigilante

An Americanism dating back to 1825–35; from Spanish: literally, “vigilant”

Example Sentences

The case attracted huge public attention, with Martin's supporters casting him as a man taking a stand to defend his home - and others believing he was a violent eccentric turned vigilante.

From BBC

Surprised by this unusual cobbling together of Hindu and Muslim names, the vigilantes left.

From BBC

This has led most settlements in rural areas to set up vigilante groups – small bands of armed men who protect their villages.

From BBC

Have the bond vigilantes finally landed in Tokyo?

From The Wall Street Journal

But the bond vigilantes have been held at bay.

From Barron's