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

Journalists develop a certain level of hypervigilance after chronicling their communities' worst days. —Eric Larsen, IndyStar, 6 Apr. 2025

Her joyful, carefree attitude gave way to hypervigilance. —Bram Sable-Smith, CNN Money, 3 June 2025

Symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance and detachment manifest differently from person to person. —Erica Zurek, Twin Cities, 31 May 2025

Since mites are ectoparasites, or external parasites (as opposed to internal parasites like tapeworms), potential hosts like flies can benefit from hypervigilance. —Elizabeth Rayne, ArsTechnica, 2 May 2025

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