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self-appointed law enforcer

[self-ə-ˈpȯin-təd ˈlȯ in-ˈfȯr-sər]
nounpl: self-appointed law enforcers
vigilante; enforcement da lei autodesignado
1. A person who takes it upon themselves to enforce laws or maintain order without official authority or legal appointment
The self-appointed law enforcer patrolled the neighborhood without any police authorization.
O vigilante patrulhava o bairro sem qualquer autorização da polícia.
2. Someone who assumes the role of judge, jury, and enforcer based on personal conviction rather than legal mandate
Critics called him a self-appointed law enforcer for taking justice into his own hands.
Críticos o chamavam de vigilante por fazer justiça com as próprias mãos.
NYC Slang
neighborhood cop; block watcher (informal); two-bit enforcer (derogatory)
Synonyms
vigilanteself-styled enforcerunauthorized law enforceramateur police officerjustice vigilante
Antonyms
licensed law enforcerofficial police officerappointed authorityauthorized agent

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
vigilante; justiceiro
Common usage in news and everyday conversation
Rio de Janeiro
justiceiro; matador de aluguel (pejorative context)
Often refers to extrajudicial executioners in favelas
São Paulo
vigilante; enforcement próprio
Urban context, especially regarding neighborhood watch groups
Portugal
vigilante; executor de justiça própria
More formal; less commonly used than in Brazilian Portuguese

Related Idioms & Phrases

take the law into one's own hands
play judge and jury
wear the badge without earning it
self-styled authority
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