SINCE 1828
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
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
More Definitions for hypervigilance
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.
Other Words from hypervigilance
hypervigilant
\ -lənt
\
adjective
\
adjective
Comments on hypervigilance
What made you want to look up hypervigilance? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
-
- Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games
-
Words from Greek and Latin Quiz
Finally! A use for those SAT prep classes.
Take the quiz -
Name That Thing: Animal Edition
How many animals can you identify?
Take the quiz -
True or False?
Test your knowledge - and maybe learn something along the way.
Take the quiz -
Word Winder's CrossWinder
Play the game
Share hypervigilance
Resources for hypervigilance