vigilante
UK: ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænti | US: ˌvɪdʒəˈlænti
n. a person who takes the law into their own hands, often without legal authority, to enforce justice or punish wrongdoing.
vigilante = vigil<watchful> + ante<agent suffix>
- vigil (from Latin vigil "watchful, alert") → Retains the sense of being attentive or on guard.
- ante (from Latin -antem, a suffix forming agent nouns) → Indicates a person who performs the action (e.g., "participant").
Etymology Origin:
The word vigilante originates from Spanish, where it literally means "watchman" or "guardian." It combines vigil (rooted in Latin vigilare, "to watch") with the agent suffix -ante, implying someone who acts. The term entered English in the 19th century, initially referencing self-appointed law enforcers in frontier regions. Over time, it evolved to describe individuals or groups operating outside legal frameworks, often driven by perceived moral duty.
The town formed a vigilante group to combat rising crime.
Vigilantes often risk confrontation with law enforcement.
His actions blurred the line between hero and vigilante.
The film portrays a vigilante seeking revenge for his family.
Critics argue vigilante justice undermines the legal system.