alert

[ uh-lurt ]
/ əˈlɜrt /

adjective

fully aware and attentive; wide-awake; keen: an alert mind.
swift; agile; nimble.

noun

verb (used with object)

Idioms for alert

    on the alert, on guard against danger; in readiness; vigilant: The state police are on the alert for an escaped convict believed to be in the area.

Origin of alert

1590–1600; 1940–45 for def 4; < Italian all'erta, equivalent to all(a) to, on the + erta lookout, watchtower, orig. feminine of erto, past participle of ergere < Latin ērigere to erect

synonym study for alert

1. Alert, vigilant, watchful imply a wide-awake attitude, as of someone keenly aware of his or her surroundings. Alert describes a ready and prompt attentiveness together with a quick intelligence: The tourist was alert and eager to see the sights. Vigilant suggests some immediate necessity for keen, active observation, and for continuing alertness: Knowing the danger, the scout was unceasingly vigilant. Watchful suggests carefulness and preparedness: watchful waiting.

OTHER WORDS FROM alert

a·lert·ly, adverb a·lert·ness, noun hy·per·a·lert, adjective un·a·lert·ed, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for alertness

British Dictionary definitions for alertness

alert
/ (əˈlɜːt) /

adjective (usually postpositive)

vigilantly attentive alert to the problems
brisk, nimble, or lively

noun

verb (tr)

to warn or signal (troops, police, etc) to prepare for action
to warn of danger, an attack, etc

Derived forms of alert

alertly, adverb alertness, noun

Word Origin for alert

C17: from Italian all'erta on the watch, from erta lookout post, from ergere to build up, from Latin ērigere; see erect

Idioms and Phrases with alertness

alert

see on the alert.