hypervigilance
noun
hy·per·vig·i·lance
ˌhī-pər-ˈvi-jə-lən(t)s 
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.
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
Nancy J. PerryExamples of hypervigilance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
This sort of emotional hypervigilance is often rooted in earlier experiences — like growing up in unpredictable environments or navigating relationships where emotional safety felt uncertain.
—Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Caregivers have a higher risk of experiencing hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts, which can raise the risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal thoughts.
Organizations such as the Cancer Support Community can help caregivers connect with mental health resources and peers.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Starr greeted me with a light fist bump, in keeping with his hypervigilance about avoiding germs.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Aber’s portrait of Berlin night life is one of her book’s great pleasures; here, Nila’s hypervigilance relaxes enough to admit a sensual delight in her surroundings, something Aber conveys through lush, often surprising images.
—Anahid Nersessian, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
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Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 9 Apr. 2025
Caregivers have a higher risk of experiencing hypervigilance and intrusive thoughts, which can raise the risk of depression, anxiety, burnout, and suicidal thoughts.
Organizations such as the Cancer Support Community can help caregivers connect with mental health resources and peers.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 21 Mar. 2025
Starr greeted me with a light fist bump, in keeping with his hypervigilance about avoiding germs.
—Mark Leibovich, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2025
Aber’s portrait of Berlin night life is one of her book’s great pleasures; here, Nila’s hypervigilance relaxes enough to admit a sensual delight in her surroundings, something Aber conveys through lush, often surprising images.
—Anahid Nersessian, The New Yorker, 5 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for hypervigilance
Cite this Entry
“Hypervigilance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hypervigilance. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
hypervigilance
noun
hy·per·vig·i·lance
-ˈvij-ə-lən(t)s
: 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.
Ellen L. Bassuk et al.Love words? Need even more definitions?
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