Definition

Noun: 1. The act of enforcing laws or punishing perceived criminals by individuals or groups without legal authority: Vigilantism refers to the practice where people take the law into their own hands, often because they believe the official authorities are ineffective or too slow.

Usage

The term is used to describe unauthorized, extralegal actions intended to administer justice or maintain order. It carries a negative connotation, implying a disregard for due process and the rule of law. - It is typically used as an uncountable noun (e.g., "a wave of vigilantism"). - A person who engages in this is called a vigilante.

Examples

• The rise in crime led to dangerous acts of vigilantism in the neighborhood.
• The sheriff condemned the mob's vigilantism, urging citizens to let the courts do their job.
• The film explores the moral complexities of vigilantism versus official justice.

Advanced Usage

• Cyber-vigilantism: The act of using the internet to identify, harass, or punish individuals perceived as wrongdoers, outside of any legal framework.
  • The online shaming campaign was a clear case of cyber-vigilantism.

Variants and Related Words

• Vigilante (noun): A member of a self-appointed group that undertakes law enforcement without legal authority.
  • The vigilante patrolled the streets at night.
• Vigilance (noun): The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties. (Note: This is the root word but has a different, legal meaning).
  • Security requires constant vigilance.

Synonyms

• Extralegal justice
• Taking the law into one's own hands
• Mob justice (specifically when done by a crowd)

Related Phrases

• Vigilante justice: A phrase often used interchangeably with "vigilantism" to emphasize the perceived dispensing of justice.
  • He was a victim of vigilante justice.

Noun

1. the actions of a vigilance committee in trying to enforce the laws