hypervigilance

noun

hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance ˌhī-pər-ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s How to pronounce hypervigilance (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Leaving a familiar environment removes our daily safety anchors, and unresolved stress can resurface as anxiety or hypervigilance amid the unpredictability of new places. — Anita Bhagwandas, Condé Nast Traveler, 31 Aug. 2026 Trish Michelle, now a decade beyond her own diagnosis, understands the hypervigilance. — Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 17 Aug. 2026 Symptoms include anxiety, hypervigilance, confusion and mania, and taking on activities that might be considered strange. — Deborah Becker, NPR, 16 Aug. 2026 Unfortunately, hypervigilance and panic are highly effective shortcuts to trigger a neurological spark. — Luciana Paulise, Forbes.com, 25 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for hypervigilance

Word History

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hypervigilance was in 1887

Rhymes for hypervigilance

See All Rhymes for hypervigilance

Browse Nearby Words

hyperventilation
hypervigilance
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Cite this Entry

“Hypervigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypervigilance. Accessed 4 Sep. 2026.

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Medical Definition

hypervigilance

noun
hy·​per·​vig·​i·​lance -ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s How to pronounce hypervigilance (audio)
: 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 How to pronounce hypervigilance (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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