vigor
Americannoun
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active strength or force.
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healthy physical or mental energy or power; vitality.
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energetic activity; energy; intensity.
The economic recovery has given the country a new vigor.
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force of healthy growth in any living matter or organism, as a plant.
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active or effective force, especially legal validity.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vigor
First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English vigo(u)r, from Anglo-French; Middle French vigeur, from Latin vigor “force, energy,” from vig(ēre) “to be vigorous, thrive” + -or -or 1
Explanation
If your new puppy runs all over the house, jumps on the furniture, and enthusiastically chews up your socks, you may congratulate yourself on your new pup's vigor, or lively sense of energy. Aside from mental or physical vitality, the noun vigor can be applied to an imaginative style of thought or expression and also to a forceful intensity. "The jury was not only willing to acquit the defendant, but also nominate him for sainthood, by the time his attorney had delivered, with vigor, an impassioned plea for his client's innocence."
Vocabulary lists containing vigor
Unit 3: Compelling Evidence
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Chains
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"Marigolds"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
At a press briefing on Tuesday, Vigor Mendoza, chair of the country's transportation regulator, announced fare hikes that he said were "proof of... genuine concern" for both commuters and the embattled sector.
From Barron's • Mar. 17, 2026
In September, Vigor began work on the Wenatchee, which is expected to return to service in the fall, followed by the Tacoma.
From Seattle Times • May 25, 2024
The state previously balked at producing one at Vigor Industries in Seattle for $400 million.
From Seattle Times • Apr. 19, 2024
Some of these military contractors including General Dynamics, Vigor Industrial and Anduril Industries, are already developing unmanned tanks, submarines, and drones, according to the report.
From Salon • Mar. 9, 2024
At the end of the Street of the Cup Makers, Beetle was told, just before the Church of Saints Dingad and Vigor, she could find the best prices on leather flasks.
From "The Midwife's Apprentice" by Karen Cushman
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
