hypervigilant

[ hahy-per-vij-uh-luhnt ]

adjective

1. especially wary or alert:

   All high school and college coaches need to be hypervigilant about suspected brain injuries.

2. overly sensitive and reactive to stimuli:

   PTSD sufferers may experience nightmares and heightened anxiety, and they may be hypervigilant and develop an increased startle response.

Other Words From

• hy·per·vig·i·lant·ly adverb
• hy·per·vig·i·lant·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of hypervigilant¹

hyper- ( def ) + vigilant ( def )

Example Sentences

As someone who likes to have the same breakfast every morning — a slice of apple pie — and is hypervigilant about counting ballots, all the changes have been hard, but exciting.

From Los Angeles Times

He accused attorneys for the city of minimizing the threat that such officers face while dealing with suspects who have a propensity for violence and are hypervigilant about the presence of law enforcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Therefore, I am hypervigilant and try to reduce my e-footprint, but not immune.

From Seattle Times

The list of activities that could get millions of Americans arrested by a hypervigilant enforcer of the statute is mind-blowing.

From Slate

Smith described Crumbley as a “hypervigilant” mom despite evidence presented at trial to the contrary.

From Seattle Times