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Definition of vigilantism

vigilantism

/ˌvɪdʒ.ɪˈlæn.tɪ.zəm/
vig · i · lan · tism
Adjective:vigilante
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vigilantism Lexical Profile

vigilantism Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The practice of ordinary citizens undertaking law enforcement and punishing perceived offenses in their community without legal authority, typically because the established legal agencies are considered inadequate.

Example

"The police chief warned the community that online vigilantism could easily lead to the harassment of innocent people."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Nearby Words

vigilance
vigilant
vigilante
vigilantism
vigilantly
vigna
vignette

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in mid-19th-century American English from 'vigilante' (borrowed from Spanish 'vigilante', meaning 'watchman' or 'wakeful', ultimately from Latin 'vigilare', 'to keep awake') combined with the suffix '-ism'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Vigilantism. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/vigilantism
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