French Conversation · Level 150
30 words
French word
justicier
Pronunciation
IPA/ʒystisje/
Meaning
- masculine nounvigilante
Example
Il se prend pour un justicier.
He thinks he's a vigilante.
More examples
Après le cambriolage, il a joué au justicier et a voulu interpeller le suspect.
After the burglary, he played the vigilante and wanted to apprehend the suspect.
Core concept
A lone figure acting as judge and enforcer beyond the reach of courts and legal institutions.
Common phrases
se prendre pour un justicier
to think of oneself as a vigilante
jouer au justicier
to play the vigilante
faire le justicier
to act like a vigilante
Similar words
vigilante: A person who tries to enforce justice through personal means instead of legal procedures.
hors-la-loi: A person who acts outside the law and is legally considered an offender.
vengeur: A person who personally retaliates for an injury or humiliation.
Definition in French
Individu qui se fait arbitre ou exécuteur de la justice en agissant lui-même, souvent en dehors des lois ou des institutions.
Word origin
The noun justicier is formed from justice with the agentive suffix -ier, which denotes a person associated with an activity.
Usage tips
- In phrases such as Il se prend pour un justicier, the word often carries criticism of unauthorized action rather than praise for bravery.