alert
fully aware and attentive; wide-awake; keen: She had an alert mind.
swift; agile; nimble.
an attitude of vigilance, readiness, or caution, as before an expected attack.
a warning or alarm of an impending military attack, a storm, etc.: We'd just boarded the bus when the alert sounded.
the period during which such a warning or alarm is in effect.
to warn (troops, ships, etc.) to prepare for action.
to warn of an impending raid, attack, storm, etc.: The radio alerted coastal residents to prepare for the hurricane.
to advise or warn; cause to be on guard: to alert gardeners to the dangers of some pesticides.
Idioms about alert
on the alert, on guard against danger; in readiness; vigilant: The state police are on the alert for an escaped convict believed to be in the area.
Origin of alert
1synonym study For alert
Other words for alert
Opposites for alert
Other words from alert
- a·lert·ly, adverb
- a·lert·ness, noun
- hy·per·a·lert, adjective
- un·a·lert·ed, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for alert
/ (əˈlɜːt) /
vigilantly attentive: alert to the problems
brisk, nimble, or lively
an alarm or warning, esp a siren warning of an air raid
the period during which such a warning remains in effect
on the alert
on guard against danger, attack, etc
watchful; ready: on the alert for any errors
to warn or signal (troops, police, etc) to prepare for action
to warn of danger, an attack, etc
Origin of alert
1Derived forms of alert
- alertly, adverb
- alertness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Other Idioms and Phrases with alert
see on the alert.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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