vigilantism

British  

/ ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the methods, conduct, attitudes, etc, associated with vigilantes, esp militancy, bigotry, or suspiciousness

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Example Sentences

But I think that, in a world of vigilantism and stochastic terror, it is not just bad for speech qua speech, but for governance qua governance.

From Slate • Sep. 12, 2025

We celebrate autonomy and self-help in these rural communities, saying, “Look at these people, they know how to take care of themselves,” but vigilantism comes out of that too.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 30, 2023

It has led to vigilantism during Valentine's Day and also counter protests such as the "Celebrating Love" event held by students at the engineering institute IIT-Madras in Chennai city to oppose moral policing.

From BBC • May 16, 2023

New York has become one of the nation’s safest large cities, but the emotional responses recalled the metropolis of decades ago, when residents felt besieged by crime and fatal vigilantism made national headlines.

From Seattle Times • May 4, 2023

Academics have long argued that failing institutions, or even the public perception that government systems are failing, provide fertile ground for vigilantism, even when problems are unrelated to criminal justice.

From Washington Times • Feb. 1, 2023