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

This degree of hypervigilance to maintain a facade can often result in stress, depression, and mental fatigue. 2. —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 21 Apr. 2025

Research indicates that prolonged exposure to such hostile environments can lead to a range of mental health disorders characterized by symptoms like hypervigilance, intrusive thoughts, and emotional numbness. —Jason Walker Psyd, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025

Some common signs include insomnia, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, irritability, and fatigue—all of which can contribute to stress. —Elizabeth Ayoola, Essence, 7 Apr. 2025

This sort of emotional hypervigilance is often rooted in earlier experiences — like growing up in unpredictable environments or navigating relationships where emotional safety felt uncertain. —Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 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