hypervigilant

American  

[hahy-per-vij-uh-luhnt] / ˌhaɪ pərˈvɪdʒ ə lənt /

adjective

1. especially wary or alert.

   All high school and college coaches need to be hypervigilant about suspected brain injuries.

2. overly sensitive and reactive to stimuli.

   PTSD sufferers may experience nightmares and heightened anxiety, and they may be hypervigilant and develop an increased startle response.

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Other Word Forms

• hypervigilantly adverb
• hypervigilantness noun

Etymology

Origin of hypervigilant

hyper- ( def. ) + vigilant ( def. )

Example Sentences

Before they cast their ballots, though, voters need to check out Karen Pittman’s magnificent performance as a loving and hypervigilant mom in ‘Forever,’ Mara Brock Akil’s stellar adaptation of the classic Judy Blume novel.”

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

The list of activities that could get millions of Americans arrested by a hypervigilant enforcer of the statute is mind-blowing.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2024

"Those who are hypervigilant due to anxiety or trauma are very prone over-apologizing," James wrote to Salon.

From Salon • Nov. 29, 2023

“Everybody’s hypervigilant about this, and we have been now for almost two years,” Mr. Murray said.

From New York Times • Jun. 14, 2023

The rise in threats has made drag performers hypervigilant about their safety.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 24, 2023