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
Example
The monks keep vigil throughout the night, praying and meditating.
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.
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'
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.
