vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vigilant

Synonyms of vigilance

• watchfulness
• watch
• alertness

Examples of vigilance in a Sentence

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom

Recent Examples on the Web

That also meant constant vigilance, becoming my son’s shadow during his most vulnerable meltdowns and dysregulations. — Literary Hub, 28 Oct. 2026

Clear-eyed vigilance means focusing on security and hoping things calm down. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 28 Oct. 2026

The advisories urged Americans to exercise vigilance and prepare for possible flight cancellations, airspace closures and other travel disruptions. — Olivia Gazis, CBS News, 20 Oct. 2026

This method works only as long as employees exercise constant vigilance—over the machines, themselves, and one another. — Gideon Lewis-Kraus, New Yorker, 19 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing vigilance

• hyper-vigilance
• vigilance committee

Kids Definition

vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being vigilant

Medical Definition

vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s 

: the quality or state of being wakeful and alert : degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli

vigilant

-lənt 

adjective