Vigilantist: meaning, definitions and examples

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vigilantist

 

[ หˆvษชdส’.ษช.lษ™n.tษชst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

social context

A vigilantist is a person who takes the law into their own hands, often in an attempt to enforce laws or punish perceived wrongdoers without legal authority. This term is often associated with those who believe that the justice system is ineffective or corrupt, prompting them to act independently. Vigilantism can lead to a range of consequences, from community justice to chaos and violence. While some may view vigilantists as heroes, others see them as threats to social order and the rule of law.

Synonyms

avenger, enforcer, lawyer.

Examples of usage

  • The vigilantist patrolled the neighborhood at night.
  • Many criticized the vigilantists for their unlawful actions.
  • The rise of vigilantists poses a challenge to local law enforcement.

Translations

Translations of the word "vigilantist" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น vigilante

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเคพเค—เคฐเฅ‚เค• เคตเฅเคฏเค•เฅเคคเคฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ vigilante

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒั–ะนััŒะบะพะฒะธะน ะฟะฐั‚ั€ัƒะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wigilant

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่‡ช่ญฆๅ›ฃๅ“ก

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ vigilante

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท vigilante

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ž๊ฒฝ๋‹จ์›

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฑุงู‚ุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vigilant

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่‡ชๅซ่€…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฑะฐา›ั‹ะปะฐัƒัˆั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ•แƒ˜แƒ’แƒ˜แƒšแƒแƒœแƒขแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vigilant

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ vigilante

Etymology

The term 'vigilantist' is derived from the word 'vigilant', which comes from the Latin 'vigilans', meaning 'watching' or 'awake'. Vigilantism has roots dating back to early societies where individuals took it upon themselves to deliver justice in the absence of formal law enforcement. In the United States, the phenomenon of vigilantism became prominent during the 19th century, particularly in the Wild West, where criminal activities were rampant and lawmen were few. Groups like the Vigilantes of San Francisco formed to combat crime and restore order during times of lawlessness. Over time, the implications of vigilantism have evolved, often reflecting societal debates about justice, authority, and civil rights.