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

The South's joint chiefs said Saturday the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan. — Arkansas Online, 4 Oct. 2026

But this safety was hard-won, achieved only as a result of unfailing vigilance, as everyone was continually reminded. — Rachel Heng, New Yorker, 4 Oct. 2026

The South’s joint chiefs said the military stepped up surveillance and vigilance for possible further launches from the North and was closely sharing information with the United States and Japan. — ABC News, 2 Oct. 2026

Enhancing health and safety in schools HCPS has taken steps to improve campus safety, but recent incidents of fighting and disruptive behavior remind us that vigilance matters. — Joe Fleckenstein, Baltimore Sun, 1 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