Vigilante: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Vigilante noun. A person who takes the law into their own hands to punish suspected wrongdoers.
How to say it
vij-ih-LAN-tee/ˌvɪdʒɪˈlanti/
4 syllables, stressed on the third (LAN). Forms: vigilantes.
Vigilante in a sentence
Vigilantes on social media named the wrong man, and his house was attacked.
The film’s hero is a masked vigilante who prowls the city at night.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- avenger
- self-appointed lawman
Where vigilante comes from
From Spanish vigilante, a watchman, from Latin vigilare, to keep watch.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
The film’s hero is a masked _____ who prowls the city at night.
- malfeasance
- contraband
- vigilante
Show the answer
vigilante: The film’s hero is a masked vigilante who prowls the city at night.