Meaning & Definition of word "Vigilante"

Vigilante

/ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænti/

1. A member of a self-appointed group of citizens who undertake law enforcement in their community without legal authority.
- Example: The local vigilante group claimed they were protecting the neighborhood from rising crime rates.
2. A person who takes the law into their own hands, often in a violent or unlawful manner, to enforce their interpretation of justice.
- Example: Frustrated with the lack of police action, he became a vigilante, patrolling the streets at night.
3. One who acts outside the legal system to achieve what they believe is justice.
- Example: The film's protagonist becomes a vigilante after witnessing a serious injustice go unpunished.

From Spanish 'vigilante', meaning 'watchful', from 'vigilar', meaning 'to watch'.

vigilante justice:

Justice carried out by an individual or group without legal authority.

vigilante group:

A collective of individuals taking law enforcement into their own hands.

vigilante activity:

Actions taken by individuals or groups that involve enforcing the law themselves.

law:

A system of rules created and enforced through social or governmental institutions.

justice:

The maintenance or administration of what is just, especially by the impartial adjustment of conflicting claims.

crime:

An act committed in violation of a law prohibiting it.

Meaning: Vigi

Example Sentence: The vigi is out tonight, making sure no one messes with the neighborhood.

Meaning: Jus-keeper

Example Sentence: He's become a jus-keeper since the crime wave started.