hypervigilance

[ hahy-per-vij-uh-luhns ]

noun

1. the state or quality of being extremely alert or watchful:

   The patient outwardly exhibits classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, including hypervigilance, anxiety, facial tics, and extreme paranoia.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypervigilance¹

hyper- ( def ) + vigilance ( def )

Example Sentences

But what I would like to say, too, is that while I live in a state of hypervigilance, his threat to me did not cause me to back down.

From Slate

She said she has to have her guard up, especially closer to nighttime, and the constant hypervigilance makes her not feel safe in the world.

From Seattle Times

Crime statistics indicate that these types of attacks are rare, but they underscore the hypervigilance women must take when going out, even for a run on campus.

From Seattle Times

Anxiety, you’d discover, is your friend, viewer hypervigilance your bread and butter.

From Slate

The problem is, hypervigilance is probably the worst quality most investors can have.

From Slate