a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray., a peaceful demonstration in support of a cause, typically at night., a devotional watching, or keeping awake, during the customary hours of sleep.

keep vigil, hold a vigil, death vigil

Formal and Informal Expressions of vigil

In different contexts, you can replace 'vigil' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'observance, surveillance' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'watch, keeping an eye out' is a commonplace synonym.

vigil: Explore its Definition & Usage

vigil Definition

1a period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch or pray.
2a peaceful demonstration in support of a cause, typically at night.
3a devotional watching, or keeping awake, during the customary hours of sleep.

Using vigil: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "vigil" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
She kept vigil by her husband's bedside all night.
Example
The family held a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting.
Example
The soldiers maintained a vigil throughout the night to guard against enemy attacks.

vigil Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for vigil

Antonyms for vigil

Phrases with vigil

keep vigil
to stay awake and watchful, especially during a time when it is customary to sleep
Example
The monks keep vigil throughout the night, praying and meditating.
hold a vigil
to organize and participate in a peaceful demonstration, typically at night, in support of a cause or in memory of someone
Example
The community held a vigil for the victims of the recent hate crime.
death vigil
a period of keeping watch over a dying person, especially in a hospice or hospital setting
Example
The family took turns keeping a death vigil by their mother's bedside.

Origins of vigil

from Latin 'vigilia', meaning 'wakefulness'

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Summary: vigil in Brief

A 'vigil' [ˈvɪdʒɪl] is a period of wakefulness, often spent watching or praying. It can also refer to a peaceful demonstration held at night in support of a cause or in memory of someone. Examples include 'She kept vigil by her husband's bedside all night.' and 'The family held a candlelight vigil for the victims of the shooting.' Phrases like 'keep vigil' and 'hold a vigil' denote staying awake and watchful, while 'death vigil' refers to keeping watch over a dying person.