noun / adjective
vigilante
vij-uh-LAN-tee/ˌvɪdʒɪˈlænti/
A person who enforces the law or punishes perceived wrongdoing without legal authority.
A vigilante grips a suspected bicycle thief's wrist and blocks his escape.
Etymology
Spanish vigilante meant “watchman.” In English it named members of vigilance committees that kept informal order where official authority was weak, connecting watchfulness with enforcement outside legal authority.
In context
an internet vigilante played by writer director Franklin rich and Gareth this man creates an artificial intelligence Cherry played by Tatum Matthews who is used to catch Predators on the internet as she's staged as a young girl
More examples
- The vigilantes punish people they suspect of stealing.
- Police warn that vigilante justice can harm innocent people.
- She reports the crime instead of acting as a vigilante.
Forms
vigilante · vigilantes
vigilantism noun — Punishment of perceived wrongdoing without legal authority.
Similar words
- avenger
- Seeks revenge for a wrong rather than enforcing laws generally.
- enforcer
- Makes others obey rules, sometimes with legitimate authority.