Meaning & use
vigilante
A person who takes it upon themselves to enforce the law or punish wrongdoers without legal authority.
See it in a sentence
The masked vigilante in the comic book fights crime outside the official police force.
Local vigilantes patrolled the streets after the police failed to respond to break-ins.
A note on using this word
Vigilante often carries a negative connotation, suggesting reckless or unlawful action even when the cause seems just.
Words with a similar meaning
This term is best learned through its definition and examples.
Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “vigilante”, then compare your use with the examples above.
Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.