The meaning of VIGILANTE is a member of a volunteer committee organized to suppress and punish crime summarily (as when the processes of law are viewed as inadequate); broadly : a …

A vigilante is a person who practices or partakes in vigilantism. The term is borrowed from Spanish vigilante, which means 'sentinel' or 'watcher', from Latin vigilāns.

VIGILANTE definition: 1. a person who tries in an unofficial way to prevent crime, or to catch and punish someone who has…. Learn more.

adjective done violently and summarily, without recourse to lawful procedures. vigilante justice.

vigilante (ˌvɪdʒɪˈlæntɪ) n 1. one of an organized group of citizens who take upon themselves the protection of their district, properties, etc

Vigilantes are people who organize themselves into an unofficial group to protect their community and to catch and punish criminals. The vigilantes dragged the men out. 2 senses: 1. one of an …

Definition of vigilante noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

There are two meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun vigilante, one of which is labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Sep 20, 2025 · Borrowed from Spanish vigilante (“watchman, guard”), from Latin vigilans. Doublet of vigilant.

Vigilante definition: A person who is not a member of law enforcement but who pursues and punishes persons suspected of lawbreaking.