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

A triangulation of deep sensitivity, porousness, and fear produces hypervigilance.

From Slate ● May 10, 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

Medication also ameliorated the physical symptoms of anxiety and hypervigilance.

From BBC ● Jan. 25, 2025