hypervigilance

noun

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

variants: or hyper-vigilance

Definition of hypervigilance

: 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

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The first known use of hypervigilance was in 1917

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hypervigilance

noun

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

Medical Definition of hypervigilance

: 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.