vigilance

noun

vig·​i·​lance ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Examples of vigilance in a Sentence

eternal vigilance is the price of freedom
Recent Examples on the Web Decades of research since has confirmed that vigilance is difficult to maintain, even over brief intervals. Matthew Robison, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 So, let this cautionary tale serve as a sobering reminder to homeowners everywhere—vigilance is key, especially during the cold and rainy winter months when pests seek refuge indoors. Sponsored Content, The Mercury News, 28 Feb. 2024 This ongoing vigilance is crucial to identify any changes in risk factors or suspicious behavior over time. Alexander Ray, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2024 While there has been a surge in car thefts across Canada — up 24 percent in 2022, the most recent year nationwide statistics were available — the scourge has hit the Toronto area particularly hard, creating a mix of paranoia, vigilance and resentment. Vjosa Isai, New York Times, 24 Feb. 2024 By providing employees with training on vigilance and encouraging them to report potential threats, organizations can detect attacks at an earlier stage in the attack cycle. Stu Sjouwerman, Forbes, 23 Feb. 2024 What followed was an exhortation to eternal civic vigilance and tireless civic work. Lili Loofbourow, Washington Post, 13 Feb. 2024 The complex nature of tech demands constant vigilance from leaders to assess and address skills gaps within their teams effectively. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Doing that revealed certain tendencies and points of interest — a kind of vigilance in certain ways of making. Los Angeles Times Staff, Los Angeles Times, 16 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'vigilance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1533, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of vigilance was in 1533

Dictionary Entries Near vigilance

Cite this Entry

“Vigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/vigilance. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being vigilant

Medical Definition

vigilance

noun
vig·​i·​lance ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce vigilance (audio)
: the quality or state of being wakeful and alert : degree of wakefulness or responsiveness to stimuli
vigilant adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on vigilance

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