Explanation of the Word "Vigilante"
Definition:
A "vigilante" is a person who takes the law into their own hands. This usually means they act to punish or stop crime without being part of the official police or legal system. They believe they are helping their community by enforcing justice themselves.
Usage Instructions:
Example:
Advanced Usage:
In literature and films, vigilantes are often portrayed as heroes or anti-heroes. They may have personal reasons for their actions, and their storylines often explore themes of justice, morality, and the consequences of taking the law into one's own hands.
Word Variants:
Vigilantism (noun): The act of taking the law into one's own hands.
Vigilanteism (noun): Another term for vigilantism, often used interchangeably.
Different Meanings:
While "vigilante" primarily refers to someone who takes justice into their own hands, it can also be used informally to describe someone who is very watchful or careful about something, though this usage is less common.
Synonyms:
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "vigilante," but you might hear phrases like "take the law into one's own hands," which means to act on your own authority instead of relying on the legal system.
Summary:
The word "vigilante" refers to a person who acts outside the law to enforce justice, often because they feel the legal system is not doing enough.