MEANING
A period of watchful attention, often kept through the night in prayer or beside someone vulnerable or dead.
Use it for
Night watches, patient devotion, waiting beside the dying.Show duration and loyalty through continued wakefulness.
Words that belong together
- keep vigil
- candlelight vigil
- bedside vigil
On the page
She kept vigil beside the sick child until dawn.
The candles for the vigil filled the church steps.
His nightly vigil at the window ended only when the missing dog returned.
Nearby words
Related words
Word forms
- Base
- vigil
Usage notes
Primary category: gothic. Can be religious or secular; does not itself mean a funeral or sleeplessness from fear. Plural vigils.
Practice this word in a sentenceYour margin notes
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