Vigilantism (noun)

1. The action of taking the law into one's own hands by participating in the punishment of criminals.
2. The act or practice of vigilantes, typically characterized by its extralegal nature.

Origin:

Late 19th century: from vigilant + -ism.

Examples:

1. The community took the law into their own hands, engaging in vigilantism against the drug dealers.
2. The vigilante group patrolled the streets at night, looking for criminals to punish.
3. The local government is concerned about the rise of vigilantism in the area.
4. Vigilantism is not a lawful method for dealing with crime.
5. The controversial nature of vigilantism has been widely debated in recent years.