Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

vigilante

noun

/ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænti/

Definition

A person who takes law enforcement into their own hands, often operating outside of legal authority.

Examples

The neighborhood vigilante patrolled the streets at night, ensuring everyone felt safe.
Many vigilante groups have formed in response to rising crime rates.

Meaning

The term ‘vigilante’ refers to someone who acts independently to enforce the law or punish wrongdoing, typically because they believe that the official legal system is inadequate.