hypervigilance

noun

hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance ˌhī-pər-ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s How to pronounce hypervigilance (audio)
variants or hyper-vigilance
: extreme or excessive vigilance : the state of being highly or abnormally alert to potential danger or threat
A person suffering from PTSD may have sleep disturbances, irritability, hypervigilance, heightened startle responses and flashbacks of the original trauma.Ellen L. Bassuk et al.
One common trait among fearful fliers is hypervigilance; they often spend the entire trip watching the flight attendants, analyzing the chime system, and assessing the sounds of the engines.Nancy J. Perry

Examples of hypervigilance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In other sectors, such hypervigilance might seem like overkill, even paranoia. Jeremy Kahn, Fortune, 20 May 2024 Abuse is characterized by warp speed development of a nervous system that detects threats, accompanied by hypervigilance, emotional turbulence, and out of control behavior. Marc D. Hauser, TIME, 3 Apr. 2024 For children who’ve experienced extreme loss, such hypervigilance is common, Salsabeel Zaeid, a psychologist working with children and families at the compound, told me. Eliza Griswold, The New Yorker, 21 Mar. 2024 Moreover, the pervasive nature of digital technology means that we’re constantly tethered to our devices, leading to a state of perpetual alertness and hypervigilance. Georgia Day, Glamour, 8 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for hypervigilance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hypervigilance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypervigilance was in 1887

Dictionary Entries Near hypervigilance

Cite this Entry

“Hypervigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypervigilance. Accessed 2 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

hypervigilance

noun
hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance -ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce hypervigilance (audio)
: extreme or excessive vigilance : the state of being highly or abnormally alert to potential danger or threat
A person suffering from PTSD may have … hypervigilance, heightened startle responses and flashbacksEllen L. Bassuk et al.
hypervigilant adjective
Last Updated: - Definition revised
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