vigil
UK: ˈvɪdʒɪl | US: ˈvɪdʒəl
n. a period of staying awake, especially at night, for the purpose of watching, praying, or guarding
n. a watch kept during normal sleeping hours, often for religious observance or protection
n. (historical) the eve of a religious festival, marked by devotional observance
The word vigil traces back to Latin vigil (watchful), rooted in the Proto-Indo-European weg- (to be strong, lively). Originally tied to nighttime watchkeeping (e.g., guards or religious devotees), it evolved to denote purposeful wakefulness, often spiritual or protective. The suffix -il solidifies its noun form, preserving the core idea of alertness.
She kept a vigil by her grandfather’s bedside throughout the night.
The monks observed a silent vigil before the dawn prayer.
Ancient soldiers took turns standing vigil at the fortress walls.
The candlelight vigil honored the victims of the tragedy.
On Christmas Eve, the church held a midnight vigil.