adj.
Pronunciation: ' wäch-f ə l, ' wo ̇ ch-
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 archaic a : not able or accustomed to sleep or rest : WAKEFUL b : causing sleeplessness c : spent in wakefulness : SLEEPLESS
2 : carefully observant or attentive : being on the watch
– watch · ful · ly \ -f ə -l ē \ adverb
– watch · ful · ness noun
synonyms WATCHFUL , VIGILANT , WIDE-AWAKE , ALERT mean being on the lookout especially for danger or opportunity. WATCHFUL is the least explicit term <the watchful eye of the department supervisor>. VIGILANT suggests intense, unremitting, wary watchfulness <eternally vigilant in the safeguarding of democracy>. WIDE-AWAKE applies to watchfulness for opportunities and developments more often than dangers < wide-awake companies latched onto the new technology>. ALERT stresses readiness or promptness in meeting danger or in seizing opportunity < alert traders anticipated the stock market's slide>.