hyperalert

adjective

hy·​per·​alert ˌhī-pər-ə-ˈlərt How to pronounce hyperalert (audio)
variants or hyper-alert
: extremely or excessively alert
Jarrett was exhausted, after weeks on the campaign trail, but hyperalert, watching the wider terrain, observing all comers, while always keeping an eye on Obama.Ron Suskind
Symptoms of PTSD can include insomnia, irritability, being hyperalert to danger or feeling on edge.Phyllis Furman
hyperalertness noun
or hyper-alertness
Type A people showed the overt behavioral syndrome or style of living characterized by "extremes of competitiveness, striving for achievement, restlessness, hyper-alertness, explosiveness of speech …". The Encyclopedic Dictionary of Psychology

Word History

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hyperalert was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near hyperalert

Cite this Entry

“Hyperalert.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hyperalert. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

hyperalert

adjective
hy·​per·​alert ˌhī-pər-ə-ˈlərt How to pronounce hyperalert (audio)
: extremely or excessively alert
Symptoms of PTSD can include insomnia, irritability, being hyperalert to danger or feeling on edge.Phyllis Furman, The Daily News (New York)
hyperalertness noun

More from Merriam-Webster on hyperalert

Last Updated: - Definition revised
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