vigil

/ˈvɪdʒɪl/

/ˈvɪdʒɪl/

Other forms: vigils

A vigil is when you stay alert to guard something, as when you keep vigil over your hen house when the foxes are out. A vigil can also be solemn, as when a candlelight vigil is held for victims of a tragedy.

Vigil comes from the Latin word for "awake," and all its meanings include the idea of watchfulness. If you're attending a vigil or keeping vigil, you shouldn't expect to take a nap. The vigil is an apt kind of demonstration for peace movements, as it's calm, non-violent, and solemn, with participants standing quietly — sometimes holding candles.

Definitions of vigil

1. noun

   a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe
   synonyms: watch

   types:

   continuous receiver watch, listening watch

   a watch established for the reception of traffic of interest to the unit maintaining the watch

   spying

   keeping a secret or furtive watch

   type of:

   surveillance

   close observation of a person or group (usually by the police)
2. noun

   a peaceful, stationary demonstration or protest, especially at night
   type of:

   demonstration, manifestation

   a public display of group feelings (usually of a political nature)
3. noun

   the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival)
   synonyms: watch

   types:

   viewing, wake

   a vigil held over a corpse the night before burial

   agrypnia

   a vigil before certain feasts (as e.g. Easter)

   type of:

   religious rite, rite

   an established ceremony prescribed by a religion
4. noun

   a period of sleeplessness
   type of:

   wakefulness

   a periodic state during which you are conscious and aware of the world