alert

(noun, adjective, verb)

adjective

1. engaged in or accustomed to close observation

- caught by a couple of alert cops

- alert enough to spot the opportunity when it came

- constantly alert and vigilant, like a sentinel on duty

Similar word(s): vigilant, wakeful, fly, lidless, sleepless, wary, awake, lively, watchful

2. quick and energetic

Similar word(s): energetic, brisk, lively, merry, rattling, snappy, spanking, zippy

3. mentally perceptive and responsive

- an alert mind

- alert to the problems

Similar word(s): aware, cognisant, cognizant, alive, awake

noun

1. condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action

- bombers were put on alert during the crisis

Definition categories: state, preparation, preparedness, readiness

2. a warning serves to make you more alert to danger

Similar word(s): alerting

Definition categories: communication, warning

3. an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger

Similar word(s): alarm, alarum

Definition categories: communication, sign, signal, signaling

verb

1. warn or arouse to a sense of danger or call to a state of preparedness

- We alerted the new neighbors to the high rate of burglaries

Similar word(s): alarm

Definition categories: communication, warn