alert

UK: əˈlɜːt | US: əˈlɜrt

Definition

  1. adj. watchful and ready to respond quickly

  2. n. a warning or state of readiness

  3. vt. to warn or make aware of danger

Structure
al <to>ert <watchful>
Etymology

The word "alert" entered English in the 17th century from French alerte, derived from the Italian phrase all'erta ("to the watchtower"). It originally described soldiers on high watch for danger. The morpheme al ("to") directs attention, while ert ("raised/watchful") conveys readiness. Over time, it broadened to describe any state of sharp awareness.

Examples

  1. The guard remained alert throughout the night.

  2. A weather alert warned of approaching storms.

  3. She alerted the team to the potential risk.

  4. His alert response prevented an accident.

  5. Stay alert while hiking in bear territory.