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

But he doesn’t expect earnings to surprise to the upside due to rising U.S. unemployment and bond vigilantes slowing the AI capex boom, unless big Chinese economic stimulus arrives.

From MarketWatch

Hence, the bond vigilantes are making their presence known—and not taking no for an answer.

From Barron's

That was until bond vigilantes pushed back last month, sending bond yields to 18-year highs.

From Barron's

The military, police and local vigilantes are conducting a search for the children, combing nearby forests and remote routes believed to have been used by the gunmen.

From BBC

Hartnett predicts that if Friday’s CPI release for September is 3% or cooler, then bond vigilantes — investors who sell government bonds because they disapprove of its fiscal policies — will capitulate.

From MarketWatch