vigilance

[vij-uh-luhns]

noun

1. state or quality of being vigilant; watchfulness.

   Vigilance is required in the event of treachery.

   Synonyms: care, concern, heedfulness, attention, alertness

2. Pathology.,  insomnia.

vigilance

/ ˈvɪdʒɪləns /

noun

1. the fact, quality, or condition of being vigilant

2. the abnormal state or condition of being unable to sleep

Other Word Forms

• hypervigilance noun
• nonvigilance noun
• previgilance noun
• supervigilance noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of vigilance¹

First recorded in 1560–70; alteration ( -ance for -ancy ) of obsolete vigilancy, from Latin vigilantia; vigilant, -ancy

Example Sentences

For many Americans, what began as a stress response has become a chronic state of hyperarousal and vigilance.

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Expanding Cfius strikes the right balance between vigilance and opportunity so America remains secure and open for business.

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Staying true to a strategy requires constant vigilance.

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George Mason University’s Donald Kochan notes that Federalist No. 1 is an important reminder of “the need for vigilance in supporting civil discourse.”

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Last month Nato announced the creation of a mission dubbed Eastern Sentry, which it said would enhance the alliance's vigilance along the entire eastern flank.

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Related Words

• alertness www.thesaurus.com
• caution 
• diligence 
• surveillance 

When To Use

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.