noun
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the fact, quality, or condition of being vigilant
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the abnormal state or condition of being unable to sleep
Usage
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of vigilance
First recorded in 1560–70; alteration ( -ance for -ancy) of obsolete vigilancy, from Latin vigilantia; see vigilant, -ancy
Explanation
Vigilance is devoted attentiveness or watchfulness. Security guards and test proctors alike need to practice vigilance. Vigilance comes from the Latin word for "wakefulness," vigilantia, and in a medical setting vigilance is still sometimes used to mean "insomnia." A prison guard might be required to maintain vigilance the whole time she's working, always being alert and watchful.
Vocabulary lists containing vigilance
"Harrison Bergeron"
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A Long Way Gone
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Fences
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But Faraji added that mosquito management requires constant vigilance and a willingness to adapt and improve.
From Slate ● Aug. 4, 2026
"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions," the security alert said on Saturday.
From BBC ● Aug. 2, 2026
"Americans currently in the Middle East should exercise caution and heightened vigilance and should be prepared for flight cancellations, periodic airspace closures, and potential travel disruptions," it said.
From Barron's ● Aug. 1, 2026
That was the real survival infrastructure; not joy by itself, but joy attached to community and vigilance.
From Salon ● Jul. 20, 2026
Just before midnight, his vigilance was rewarded when he suddenly noticed a few stars overhead and shouted to the others to look.
From "Into Thin Air" by Jon Krakauer
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
