vigilante

A vigilante is someone who takes the law into their own hands to punish perceived wrongdoers. This term originated in the 19th century from the Spanish word for "watchman" or "guard," stemming from the Latin "vigilare," meaning "to keep awake".12

Historically, vigilantes were members of "vigilance committees" formed to suppress crime when legal processes were seen as insufficient. The term can also describe a self-appointed enforcer of justice, often implying actions taken without regard for due process or established law. This can be dangerous, as vigilantes may target innocent people.21