vigilance

/'vidʤiləns/

Thân thiện

A security guard maintains vigilance while monitoring the surveillance screens.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • The action or state of keeping careful watch for possible danger or difficulties: Vigilance refers to the quality of being alert, watchful, and attentive to potential problems or threats.
   • The process of paying close and continuous attention: It describes a state of sustained mental focus and wakefulness, often to maintain safety or security.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The security guard's vigilance prevented a break-in. (His careful watchfulness stopped a crime.)
  • Constant vigilance is required when driving in heavy rain. (Continuous, close attention is necessary.)
  • The parents maintained a quiet vigilance by their sick child's bedside. (They kept a careful, watchful presence.)

Advanced Usage

• "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty": A common proverb meaning that freedom can only be preserved through constant watchfulness against threats.

  • The senator quoted the saying, "Eternal vigilance is the price of liberty."

• "To relax one's vigilance": To become less watchful or alert.

  • We must not relax our vigilance against cyber attacks.

Variants and Related Words

• Vigilant (adj): Being watchful and alert to danger or trouble.

  • The vigilant neighbor noticed the smoke and called the fire department.

• Vigilante (n): A person who undertakes law enforcement without legal authority, often motivated by a desire for vigilance.

  • The comic book hero was a vigilante who fought crime outside the law.

Synonyms

• Watchfulness: The state of being observant and alert.
• Alertness: Quick to notice and respond to potential danger.
• Attentiveness: Paying close attention.
• Circumspection: Prudence and careful consideration of all circumstances before acting.

Antonyms

• Negligence: Failure to take proper care.
• Carelessness: Lack of attention or consideration.
• Inattention: Lack of attention.

Related Phrases

• To exercise vigilance: To practice being watchful.

  • Citizens were urged to exercise vigilance and report suspicious activity.

• Heightened vigilance: An increased state of alertness.

  • The terror threat led to heightened vigilance at airports.

Học thuật

Noun

1. vigilant attentiveness
   • he keeps a weather eye open for trouble
2. the process of paying close and continuous attention
   • wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good hunter
   • vigilance is especially susceptible to fatigue

Từ đồng nghĩa

• watchfulness
• weather eye
• wakefulness
• alertness