vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vigilant

Synonyms

• alert
• alertness
• attentiveness
• qui vive
• red alert
• watch
• watchfulness

Examples of vigilance in a Sentence

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom

Recent Examples on the Web

Educate and Empower Employees: Internal vigilance can be a company’s first line of defense. —Hec Paris Insights, Forbes, 10 Jan. 2025

This alert serves as a reminder of the growing sophistication and accessibility of these technologies and the urgent need for vigilance in protecting ourselves from potential scams. —Fox News Staff, Fox News, 8 Jan. 2025

While the public health risk remains low, experts agree that vigilance, research and preventive measures are essential to mitigating the potential dangers of H5N1. —Ella Jeffries, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025

These events require vigilance, additional security mechanisms and luck. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 3 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vigilance

• hyper-vigilance
• vigilance committee

Kids Definition

vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vigilant

Medical Definition

vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being wakeful and alert : degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli

vigilant

-lənt 

adjective