Vigilante
/ˌvɪdʒ.ɪˈlæn.teɪ/noun
A member of a self-appointed group that undertakes law enforcement without legal authority.
Did you know?The term 'vigilante' emerged during the 19th century, associated with groups enforcing their own justice in lawless areas, echoing ancient themes of shadowy guardianship.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
vigil
“watchful, awake”
Middle Ages
Old Spanish
vigilante
“one who is watchful, especially in the context of guarding or protecting”
19th Century
English
vigilante
“a self-appointed law enforcer, particularly in response to perceived threats to community safety”
Modern English
English
vigilante
“a person who takes the law into their own hands, often outside of legal boundaries”
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