vigilant (adj.)

late 15c., from French vigilant or directly from Latin vigilantem (nominative vigilans) "watchful, anxious, careful," present participle of vigilare "to watch, keep awake, not to sleep, be watchful," from vigil "watchful, awake" (from PIE root *weg- "to be strong, be lively"). Related: Vigilantly.

updated on December 07, 2020