Synonyms:
watchfulness, wakefulness, vigilance, alertness
Meaning: the process of paying close and continuous attention; "wakefulness, watchfulness, and bellicosity make a good hunter"; "vigilance is especially susceptible to fatigue"
Usage examples
I am told that even now my eyes have a strange brightness, a swift alertness of movement.
He spoke at last to his ancient and faithful friend, kindly as ever, and with his own alertness and decision.
And was brought abruptly to full alertness, vigilance, by the flame of rage that filled the eyes thrust so close.
The alertness of the city dweller is due doubtless to social contact more than to the immediate work he does. This work may or may not be less thought-awakening than work with simple tools.