Advertisement
Advertisement
vigilance
/ ˈvɪdʒɪləns /
noun
- the fact, quality, or condition of being vigilant
- the abnormal state or condition of being unable to sleep
Discover More
Other Words From
- hy·per·vig·i·lance noun
- non·vig·i·lance noun
- pre·vig·i·lance noun
- su·per·vig·i·lance noun
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of vigilance1
Discover More
Example Sentences
The rise of variants requires vigilance for those who wish to protect themselves — and others, because vaccinated people may still be able to carry and transmit the virus.
It also underscores the importance of vigilance, to fully investigate any cases of the coronavirus that develop in people who are vaccinated so that there is an early alert if the virus shows it can break through the immunity conjured by vaccines.
We’ll need continued vigilance, continually following the protocols, making the right decisions.
We learned that as knowledge and science advances, what is required of our vigilance changes.
Mark Jarret, the chief quality officer for New York’s Northwell Health system, said he understood that many people are tiring of constant vigilance after nine months of isolation and Zoom gatherings and waving at people from six feet away.
Vigilance, yes; but taking the most aggressive action—not so much.
Lebanese security officials put that down to their increased vigilance and better policing.
People may not talk [about it], but there are some vigilance groups that work closely with the security forces.
Despite their vigilance they had seen nothing of armed men entering the town, they claimed.
Pilots are highly sensitive to the idea of being overheard by what they see as Big Brother vigilance.
And now there was added to this devotion an element of indefinable anxiety which made its vigilance unceasing.
The city had good government for twenty years after the operations of that Vigilance Committee.
If any thing excited suspicion, the individual and his premises were to be searched with the utmost vigilance.
It was an immense structure of great weight, and only an uncommon honesty—and vigilance—in building had saved it from destruction.
I am terrified at the thought of what may occur at any moment in spite of my solicitude and untiring vigilance.
Advertisement
Discover More
Related Words
Discover More
More About Vigilance
What does vigilance mean?
Vigilance is the state of being watchful or alert for danger or some other kind of trouble.
Vigilance is the noun form of the adjective vigilant, meaning watchful or alert.
Vigilance is often used when talking about keeping something out or in—whether that means keeping mistakes out of your work, robbers out of your home, or the dog inside the house.
In a medical context, vigilance is sometimes used as a synonym for insomnia—the state of being unable to sleep.
Example: We must be vigilant if we want to protect our home from invaders.
Where does vigilance come from?
The first records of the word vigilance come from around 1570. It comes from an earlier and now obsolete version of the word spelled vigilancy. It derives from the Latin vigilāns, which means “keeping awake” and comes from the Latin verb vigilāre, meaning “to be watchful.” It is related to other words that imply watchfulness (and sometimes potential danger), such as vigil and vigilante. In fact, the Latin word vigil means “sentry,” a person who stands guard, such as to look out for dangers such as invaders, escapees, or fire.
Vigilance, then, is the state of acting like a guard who watches to make sure that bad things don’t happen. Of course, those bad things can take many forms, depending on the context in which vigilance is used. Someone might tell you to maintain vigilance while walking home in the dark. Vigilance often involves watching out for unknown dangers. Parents often maintain vigilance in monitoring their children’s internet use. Election officials maintain vigilance over the voting process. In all cases, vigilance involves being watchful and alert without letting your guard down. It doesn’t always have to involve the potential for danger or trouble, but it usually does.
Did you know ... ?
What are some other forms of vigilance?
- vigilant (adjective)
What are some synonyms for vigilance?
What are some words that share a root or word element with vigilance?
What are some words that often get used in discussing vigilance?
How is vigilance used in real life?
Vigilance is often used in serious contexts, such as safety, politics, and national security.
Wray: It’s important because it underlines just how serious our fight against terrorism is, and how vital it is for the FBI to maintain its unflagging vigilance against this threat.
— FBI (@FBI) May 18, 2020
Depression is hard to comprehend. It is complex and non-uniform. It takes an individual, vigilance and dedication to endure. Neuroplasticity is a labyrinth to navigate. It takes time and patience.
If you can't comprehend it, that's fine, but compassion is a good place to start.
— Bob Morley (@WildpipM) May 16, 2020
"It is our task in our time and in our generation, to hand down undiminished to those who come after us… the natural wealth and beauty which is ours. To do this will require constant attention and vigilance–sustained vigor and imagination."
— John F. Kennedy (@JohnFKennedy) May 15, 2020
Try using vigilance!
Is vigilance used correctly in the following sentence?
His vigilance allowed the dog to slip out the door while he wasn’t looking.
Word of the Day
[tawr-choo-uhs ]
Meaning and examplesStart each day with the Word of the Day in your inbox!
By clicking "Sign Up", you are accepting Dictionary.com Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policies.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse