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Vigilante Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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vigilante

[หŒvษชdส’.ษ™หˆlรฆn.ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

crime prevention

A vigilante is a person who takes the law into their own hands, often to seek justice or retribution outside of the legal system.

Synonyms

avenger, crusader, justice-seeker.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vigilante

Used to describe a person who takes the law into their own hands without legal authority, often seen in a negative light.

  • The vigilante chased down criminals even though he wasn't a police officer
  • The neighborhood formed a vigilante group to patrol the streets
avenger

Refers to someone who seeks to punish or retaliate against wrongdoers, often motivated by personal vengeance.

  • After his family's tragedy, he became an avenger, determined to find those responsible
  • In many stories, the avenger faces moral dilemmas about justice and revenge
crusader

Used for someone who passionately supports a cause or campaign, often associated with a sense of moral righteousness.

  • She was a crusader for environmental protection, tirelessly advocating for new policies
  • The politician campaigned as a crusader against corruption
justice-seeker

Describes a person who actively searches for fair treatment or legal justice, emphasizing a lawful approach.

  • He was a justice-seeker, working within the system to right the wrongs
  • Civil rights leaders are often seen as justice-seekers fighting for equality

Examples of usage

  • The town had a group of vigilantes who patrolled the streets at night.
  • The vigilante decided to take matters into his own hands when the police failed to act.
Context #2 | Noun

comics

In comic books and movies, a vigilante is often a superhero or masked crusader who fights crime and injustice.

Synonyms

crime-fighter, masked avenger, superhero.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
vigilante

Repeated due to accidental duplication.
superhero

This term typically describes a fictional character with extraordinary powers who fights evil and protects the public. Superheroes are generally admired and seen in a positive light.

  • Superman is one of the most iconic superheroes of all time.
  • The kids dressed up as their favorite superhero for Halloween.
crime-fighter

A more general and positive term used to describe anyone dedicated to combating crime. Crime-fighters can be law enforcement officers, detectives, or even citizens who actively participate in community safety programs.

  • The new police chief is a dedicated crime-fighter with years of experience.
  • Community crime-fighters have set up a neighborhood watch to deter burglars.
masked avenger

This term refers to a character, often in comic books or movies, who conceals their identity with a mask and seeks justice or revenge. Itโ€™s usually a dramatic and somewhat romanticized term.

  • The masked avenger swooped in just in time to stop the robbery.
  • In the comic book, the masked avenger is relentless in his quest for justice.

Examples of usage

  • Batman is a famous vigilante in the world of comics.
  • The vigilante character is known for taking down criminals with his own set of rules.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • In the California Gold Rush, vigilante committees emerged to manage crime when official law was sparse.
  • The Ku Klux Klan was initially formed as a vigilante group, aiming to impose their own version of law and order after the Civil War.
  • Vigilante justice has appeared throughout history in various cultures, often when societal structures fail to provide security.

Pop Culture

  • Popular movies and comics feature vigilante heroes, like Batman and Daredevil, who operate outside the law to combat crime.
  • The concept of vigilante justice has sparked debates about morality and legality in series like 'Dexter' and 'Punisher.'
  • Video games like 'Grand Theft Auto' allow players to role-play as vigilantes, navigating complicated moral choices.

Social Issues

  • Vigilante actions often arise from community frustration with crime rates and perceived shortcomings of law enforcement.
  • These groups can lead to dangerous consequences, including violence and a lack of accountability.
  • The rise of social media has allowed vigilante movements to gain traction quickly, as seen in various online campaigns against perceived criminals.

Legal Perspectives

  • Vigilante actions blur the lines of legality, raising questions about the rule of law and individual rights.
  • Due process is often neglected in vigilante justice, highlighting the risks of taking the law into oneโ€™s own hands.
  • Many legal experts argue that while the desire for justice is understandable, vigilante actions can lead to more harm than good.

Origin of 'vigilante'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Spanish word 'vigilante,' meaning 'watchful' or 'watcher,' referring to someone who keeps an eye on things.
  • It entered the English language during the mid-19th century, often used to describe unauthorized law enforcers.
  • In early America, 'vigilante' groups formed to fight against crime in areas with limited law enforcement.

The word 'vigilante' originates from the Spanish word 'vigilante', which means 'watchman' or 'guard'. It was first used in the United States during the 19th century to describe self-appointed groups who carried out extrajudicial punishments. The concept of vigilantism has been a recurring theme in literature, film, and popular culture, often portraying individuals who take justice into their own hands.

See also: vigil, vigilance, vigilant.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,876, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.