alert

²alert

noun

Definition of ALERT

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 b : an urgent notice <an alert to parents … about new immunization requirements — Ann Schrader>

3

: the period during which an alert is in effect

Examples of ALERT

1. They sounded an alert when enemy planes were approaching the city.
2. Medical officials have put out an alert to hospitals to look out for the virus.
3. The government has issued a terrorism alert.

First Known Use of ALERT

1803

Related to ALERT

Synonyms: admonishment, admonition, alarm (also alarum), warning, caution, forewarning, heads-up, notice

Related Words: auguring, augury, forecasting, foretelling, predicting, prediction, premonition, presaging, prognosticating, prophecy (also prophesy), prophesying; apprising, informing, notification, notifying, tip-off; advice, counsel, guidance, recommendation, suggestion, tip; announcement, declaration

Near Antonyms: absentmindedness, abstraction, daydreaming, daze, distraction; absorption, engrossment, obliviousness, preoccupation; unawareness, unconsciousness; carelessness, heedlessness, inattention, inattentiveness, inobservance; unwariness

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide