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

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

Hypervigilance is the name of the game when you have a reactive dog.

From Salon

He liked that better, but the hypervigilance of a prison environment wore on him.

From Slate

As I wrote in Strongmen, every authoritarian state seeks to create states of hypervigilance and fear among the public, so that people will self-censor, and comply with whatever the leader asks them to do.

From Salon

Medication also ameliorated the physical symptoms of anxiety and hypervigilance.

From BBC