Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
vigilante justice
Noun
/ˌvɪdʒ.ɪˈlæn.ti ˈdʒʌs.tɪs/
Definition
Vigilante justice refers to actions taken by individuals or groups to enforce the law or punish perceived wrongdoers without legal authority.
Examples
- The angry citizens formed a group to carry out vigilante justice after a series of crimes went unsolved.
- Some believe that vigilante justice can be justified in cases where the law does not protect victims adequately.
- The comic book hero exemplifies the theme of vigilante justice, fighting crime outside the traditional legal system.
Meaning
It embodies the idea of taking the law into one’s own hands, often in response to a belief that the formal justice system is inadequate or failing.
Synonyms
- Self-justice
- Extrajudicial punishment
- Street justice
