alert
noun (countable)
UK/əˈlɜːt/US/əˈlɜːrt/
a notification or warning of danger or a specific condition; a device or system designed to signal danger
Example Sentences
The fire alarm sounded loudly, prompting everyone to evacuate the building immediately.
She received an alert on her phone about the severe weather warning in her area.
In the event of an earthquake, the emergency alert system will notify residents to take cover.
The security guard was on high alert after receiving information about a potential threat.
During the blackout, the backup alarms ensured that everyone remained safe and informed.
The hospital uses a sophisticated alert system to monitor patients' vital signs in real-time.
As the storm approached, the coastal town issued multiple alerts to prepare for the incoming waves.
The school principal was on alert for any signs of unusual activity during the night shift.
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verb (transitive)
UK/əˈlɜːt/US/əˈlɜːrt/
to warn someone about a danger or problem; to make someone aware of something
Example Sentences
The weather service will alert residents about the impending hurricane through multiple channels.
She alerted her team to the potential risks associated with the new project timeline.
The system automatically alerts the authorities in case of unauthorized access attempts.
He alerted his friends about the suspicious activity he observed near his house.
The teacher alerted the school administration when she noticed a student acting unusually distressed.
They use a mobile app to alert users about traffic congestion and accidents on their route.
During the drill, the alarm was meant to alert everyone to practice evacuation procedures.
The IT department alerted all employees to update their passwords following a security breach.
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adjective
UK/əˈlɜːt/US/əˈlɜːrt/
being watchful and prompt to notice and respond to potential danger or problems; vigilant
Example Sentences
The security guard remained alert throughout the night, ensuring that no unauthorized individuals entered the premises.
Drivers must stay alert to avoid accidents, especially during heavy traffic or adverse weather conditions.
She was always alert to changes in her environment, making her an excellent detective.
Being alert to the needs of customers can significantly enhance service quality and satisfaction.
The nurse stayed alert for any signs of complications in her patients after surgery.
Animals in the wild need to remain alert to potential predators to survive.
Maintaining an alert mind helps in quickly adapting to unexpected challenges and opportunities.
He kept his phone nearby to stay alert to any important messages or updates throughout the day.
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How to Use
To warn or make someone aware, or the state of being watchful and attentive.Use “alert” to convey heightened awareness, urgent notice, or a call to action. As a verb, it means informing others about a developing or potential issue—like “The doctor alerted the team to the patient’s worsening symptoms.” As a noun, an “alert” is often an official warning or message broadcast (e.g., weather alerts, security alerts) that prompts immediate attention or response. In everyday life, you might “stay alert” while driving late at night, striving to remain vigilant and responsive to changing road conditions. In digital contexts, you could receive email alerts or phone notifications indicating new messages or security incidents. “Alert” also appears in phrases like “on high alert,” meaning a state of maximum readiness or caution. Whether discussing personal mindfulness, professional responsibilities, or public safety, “alert” stresses a need for quick perception and timely action to handle potential threats or urgent tasks.
Alternatives
Depending on the context, synonyms for “alert” might include “warn,” “notify,” “inform,” or “caution” when you’re focusing on telling someone about a problem or threat. “Warn” and “caution” spotlight potential danger, while “notify” and “inform” are more neutral, simply relaying information. For describing a heightened state of awareness, alternatives might be “vigilant,” “attentive,” or “watchful,” each emphasizing readiness and careful observation. “Alarm” can overlap in meaning, but it often stresses urgency or fear more than calm readiness. “Awaken,” in metaphorical usage, can mean to make someone suddenly aware of a situation, though it is less formal or direct than “alert.” By choosing the right synonym, you indicate the level of urgency or the manner in which someone’s attention is being drawn, tailoring your message to the tone and specifics of the scenario—be it urgent, informative, or advisory.
Writing
When writing about “alert,” clarify who is being notified and why. In a news article, you might refer to an official alert from a government agency, specifying details like the nature of the threat, the region affected, and instructions for safety. In fiction or creative nonfiction, describing someone as “on alert” can help build tension, indicating they’re primed for danger or a sudden twist. In technical documents or corporate communications, you might specify what triggers an alert—like system downtime or data breaches—and the protocol for addressing it. Adding context about timing or cause adds depth: “The storm alert was issued hours before the hurricane made landfall,” emphasizing the importance of early warnings. If you’re focusing on personal vigilance, highlight the surroundings, mental state, or potential risks that warrant heightened attention—“She stayed alert while walking in the unfamiliar neighborhood.” Ultimately, linking “alert” to concrete details—who signals it, how it’s communicated, and what response it demands—gives your readers a clear sense of purpose and urgency.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “alert” often appears as a reminder or heads-up. You might say, “Just alert me when the pizza arrives,” meaning give me a quick notice. If something unexpected happens, friends might text, “Heads up—just wanted to alert you about the road closure.” In group chats, “alert” frequently refers to notifications, such as phone pop-ups or pings: “I got an alert for a flash sale,” or “I set an alert on my calendar so I won’t forget the appointment.” Sometimes, casual chat references staying mentally sharp—“I need coffee to keep me alert this morning.” When used lightly, “alert” can mean just a nudge or a small note, though it can also be urgent if you say, “Alert everyone—there’s been a power outage!” Overall, whether you’re reminding someone about an upcoming date, cautioning them about traffic, or joking about a surprise, “alert” delivers the idea of notifying someone quickly and prompting them to pay attention.
Etymology
“Alert” comes from the Italian phrase “all’erta,” literally meaning “to the watch” or “on the lookout,” originally used as a military warning to be on guard. The term migrated into French as “alerte” and then into English, retaining its connotation of vigilance in the face of potential threats or sudden changes. Over time, the concept broadened from purely military applications—like standing sentry against invaders—to include a variety of modern uses: providing public notifications (weather alerts), system warnings (computer error alerts), and everyday reminders (personal alarms or phone notifications). Despite these expansions, the core meaning remains centered on heightened awareness and swift responsiveness. Whether describing readiness for battle or a push notification on a smartphone, “alert” underscores the need to be promptly and actively aware of developments in one’s environment.
