vigilance Meaning, Definition & Usage

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

WordNet

Vig"i*lance noun
Etymology
L. vigilantia: cf. F. vigilance.
Definitions
  1. The quality or state of being vigilant; forbearance of sleep; wakefulness.
  2. Watchfulness in respect of danger; care; caution; circumspection. Cowper.
    And flaming ministers to watch and tend Their earthly charge; of these the vigilance I dread. Milton.
  3. Guard; watch. Obs. "In at this gate none pass the vigilance here placed." Milton.

Webster 1913