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

Executives need to foster a culture of digital vigilance and know how to respond when—not if—an attack occurs. —Kevin Sabet, Newsweek, 24 Mar. 2025

CEOs know that running a business requires vigilance, and wanting extra muscle to help manage a project is understandable. —Adam Taylor, Forbes, 19 Mar. 2025

While groups on Nextdoor and the Ring Neighbors app can devolve into paranoia and big arguments over tiny things, the extreme vigilance among their many users means that some of those individuals are repositories of memories. —Ron Lieber, New York Times, 19 Mar. 2025

The key to snagging one is speed and vigilance—airlines often correct the error quickly. —Bailey Berg, AFAR Media, 19 Mar. 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