alert
adj. · v. · n.-
1 watchful (adj.) B1 Intermediatewatching and listening carefully so that you notice things quickly.
fully aware and attentive; wide awake and ready to act or respond.
ExampleThe security guard stayed alert throughout the night to keep the building safe.
ExampleDespite the long hours of the flight, the pilot remained alert and responded immediately to the slight change in engine vibration.
- inattentive
- oblivious
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2 to warn (v.) B2 Upper Intermediateto tell someone about a danger or a problem so they can be ready.
to notify someone of a potential danger, problem, or important event.
ExampleA neighbor called to alert us that our garage door was still open.
ExampleThe intelligence agency acted quickly to alert the local authorities about the credible threat to the public event.
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3 a warning (n.) B1 Intermediatea message or signal that warns people of danger.
a signal, such as a siren or digital notification, that warns of an immediate danger or important condition.
ExampleThe phone sent out a loud alert to warn everyone about the coming storm.
ExampleThe system triggered an automatic alert when the server temperature exceeded the safe operating limit.
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4 readiness (n.) B2 Upper Intermediate Militarya state of being ready for a sudden attack or danger.
a condition of heightened watchfulness or preparation for action, especially in a military or emergency context.
ExampleThe army was on high alert after the peace talks failed.
ExampleThe coastal defenses were placed on full alert following reports of unidentified vessels entering territorial waters.
From French alerte (“alert”), from the phrase à l'erte (“on the watch”), from Italian all'erta (“to the height”), from erta (“lookout, tower”).
Formed within English by conversion, from alert (adjective). Compare French alerter.
- Nounalertness
- Adjectivealert