Vigilism
/ˈvɪdʒəlɪzəm/noun
The practice or doctrine of taking law enforcement into one’s own hands, usually through vigilante action.
Did you know?Vigilism is a rare back-formation from “vigilante” or a formation from “vigil,” while its deeper Latin ancestry connects watchfulness with being lively and vigorous.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*weg-
“To be lively, strong, or awake; the reconstructed root behind later words connected with alertness and vitality.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vigēre
“To be lively, vigorous, or flourishing.”
Classical Latin
Latin
vigilia
“A watch or period of wakefulness, including a sentry’s duty and nighttime religious observance.”
Late Latin
Latin
vigĭlāre
“To stay awake, keep watch, or remain alert.”
14th Century
English
vigil
“A period of staying awake, especially for prayer, mourning, or guarding.”
19th Century
English
vigilante
“A person who takes law enforcement into their own hands; borrowed from American Spanish.”
Modern English
English
vigilism
“The practice or ideology of vigilante action, formed with the noun-forming suffix “-ism.””