alert
[ uh-lurt ]
/ əˈlɜrt /
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adjective
fully aware and attentive; wide-awake; keen: She had an alert mind.
swift; agile; nimble.
noun
verb (used with object)
OTHER WORDS FOR alert
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…
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
First recorded in 1590–1600; 1940–45 for def. 4; from Italian all'erta, equivalent to all (a ) “to, on the” + erta “lookout, watchtower,” originally feminine of erto, past participle of ergere from Latin ērigere to erect
synonym study for alert
1. Alert, vigilant, watchful imply a wide-awake attitude, as of someone keenly aware of their surroundings. Alert describes a ready and prompt attentiveness together with a quick intelligence: The tourist was alert and eager to see the sights. Vigilant suggests some immediate necessity for keen, active observation, and for continuing alertness: Knowing the danger, the scout was unceasingly vigilant. Watchful suggests carefulness and preparedness: A stakeout requires watchful waiting.
OTHER WORDS FROM alert
a·lert·ly, adverba·lert·ness, nounhy·per·a·lert, adjectiveun·a·lert·ed, adjectiveDictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use alert in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for alert
alert
/ (əˈlɜːt) /
adjective (usually postpositive)
vigilantly attentivealert to the problems
brisk, nimble, or lively
noun
verb (tr)
to warn or signal (troops, police, etc) to prepare for action
to warn of danger, an attack, etc
Derived forms of alert
alertly, adverbalertness, nounWord Origin for alert
C17: from Italian all'erta on the watch, from erta lookout post, from ergere to build up, from Latin ērigere; see erect
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
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.