Alert
/əˈlɜːrt/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A warning or notification.
The fire alarm sent an alert throughout the building.
A state of readiness or vigilance.
The soldiers were on high alert for any threats.
verb
To warn someone to pay attention to something or to inform someone about a situation.
The teacher alerted the students about the upcoming exam.
adjective
Quick to notice any unusual and potentially dangerous or difficult circumstances; vigilant.
The alert guard noticed the intruder immediately.
Mentally aware and attentive.
She remained alert during the long meeting.
Etymology
French 'alerte', from Italian 'all'erta', meaning 'on the watch'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
stay alert
to remain attentive and aware of one's surroundings.
alert to danger
to be aware of and responsive to potential threats.
give an alert
to provide a warning or notification.
Related Words
alertness
the state of being watchful and prompt to respond.
alerting
the action of notifying someone about something.
Slang Meanings
On high alert
After the announcement, everyone was on high alert.
Hyper-vigilant
He's been feeling hyper-vigilant since the incident.