hypervigilance

American  

[hahy-per-vij-uh-luhns] / ˌhaɪ pərˈvɪdʒ ə ləns /

noun

1. the state or quality of being extremely alert or watchful.

   The patient outwardly exhibits classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including hypervigilance, anxiety, facial tics, and extreme paranoia.

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Etymology

Origin of hypervigilance

hyper- ( def. ) + vigilance ( def. )

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

hypervigilance

A. I was comparing notes with Adam Chandler, our food columnist and resident expert on food and dining trends, and he has noticed a hypervigilance around what people are serving—from chefs and caterers to influencers.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

By contrast, her father’s hypervigilance also underlies the narrative.

From Los Angeles Times ● May 11, 2026

The Seafarers' Charity cites hypervigilance, burnout, fatigue, loneliness, depression and anxiety as some of the mental strains facing the 20,000 seafarers stranded by Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz since February 28.

From Barron's ● May 9, 2026

Though different from experiencing war as a child, I know the symptoms all too well: the extreme anxiety, hypervigilance – being constantly on guard against threats - flashbacks, nightmares, and depression.

From BBC ● Dec. 29, 2025

But what I would like to say, too, is that while I live in a state of hypervigilance, his threat to me did not cause me to back down.

From Slate ● Jun. 6, 2024