1. a state of increased alertness in which a person is extremely aware of their surroundings and potential threats, often to an excessive or exhausting degree.
Usage: commonly associated with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and trauma responses; psychology and mental health contexts

Examples

• After the accident, she experienced hypervigilance and found it difficult to relax in crowded spaces.
• Hypervigilance is a common symptom in people with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• His hypervigilance made him constantly scan the room for exits and potential dangers.
• The therapist helped him manage his hypervigilance through grounding techniques.
• Combat veterans sometimes struggle with hypervigilance long after returning home.
• She couldn't enjoy the movie because her hypervigilance kept her focused on the emergency exits.