1
a
: watchful and prompt to meet danger or emergency
an alert guard
trying to stay alert to possible problems
b
: quick to perceive and act
mentally alert
alertly
adverb
alertness
noun
1
: a state of careful watching and readiness especially for danger or opportunity
on 24-hour alert
2
a
: an alarm or other signal of danger
traffic alerts
They sounded the alert.
b
: an urgent notice
… an alert to parents … about new immunization requirements.—Ann Schrader
3
: the period during which an alert is in effect
alerted; alerting; alerts
1
: to call (someone) to a state of readiness : warn
alerted the school board of a possible teachers' strike
alert the authorities
2
: to make (someone) aware of something
alerted the public to the dangers of pesticides
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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