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Vigilante: meaning, definitions and examples

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vigilante

 

[ˌvɪdʒ.əˈlæn.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. It’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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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 one’s own hands.
  • Many legal experts argue that while the desire for justice is understandable, vigilante actions can lead to more harm than good.

Translations

Translations of the word "vigilante" in other languages:

🇵🇹 justiceiro

🇮🇳 चौकसी करने वाला

🇩🇪 Selbstjustizler

🇮🇩 vigilante

🇺🇦 самосудник

🇵🇱 strażnik

🇯🇵 自警団員 (じけいだんいん)

🇫🇷 justicier

🇪🇸 vigilante

🇹🇷 kanun koruyucu

🇰🇷 자경단원

🇸🇦 الحارس

🇨🇿 mstitel

🇸🇰 pomstiteľ

🇨🇳 义务警员

🇸🇮 pravičnik

🇮🇸 réttarfarar

🇰🇿 өзісотқар

🇬🇪 მოწმე

🇦🇿 ədalətçi

🇲🇽 vigilante

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.