hypervigilance

noun

hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance ˌhī-pər-ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s 

variants or hyper-vigilance

: extreme or excessive vigilance : the state of being highly or abnormally alert to potential danger or threat

A person suffering from PTSD may have sleep disturbances, irritability, hypervigilance, heightened startle responses and flashbacks of the original trauma.

—Ellen L. Bassuk et al.

One common trait among fearful fliers is hypervigilance; they often spend the entire trip watching the flight attendants, analyzing the chime system, and assessing the sounds of the engines.

—Nancy J. Perry

Examples of hypervigilance in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sustained levels of hypervigilance take a physical toll that often goes unrecognized, contributing to everything from fatigue to poor academic performance and even chronic pain. —Zoe Weissman, The Atlantic, 26 May 2026

When the body remains in prolonged states of stress or hypervigilance, muscles may remain chronically contracted, inflammation can increase, sleep quality may decline, and recovery mechanisms may become impaired. —Meggen Harris, Forbes.com, 26 May 2026

By contrast, her father’s hypervigilance also underlies the narrative. —Los Angeles Times, 11 May 2026

Stress, hypervigilance and mental health Among the most harmful and enduring impacts of immigration enforcement are the effects on mental health. —William D. Lopez, The Conversation, 18 Feb. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for hypervigilance

• vigilance

Medical Definition

hypervigilance

noun

hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance -ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s 

: extreme or excessive vigilance : the state of being highly or abnormally alert to potential danger or threat

A person suffering from PTSD may have … hypervigilance, heightened startle responses and flashbacks

—Ellen L. Bassuk et al.

hypervigilant

-lənt 

adjective