hypervigilant
HY-pur-VIJ-uh-lunt
Definition
Characterized by an abnormal state of extreme alertness or watchfulness, often as a survival mechanism in response to past trauma or unstable environments.
Etymology
Derived from the Greek 'hyper' (meaning over or beyond) and the Latin 'vigilans' (meaning watchful or awake). It entered English in the 20th century as a clinical term to describe heightened states of arousal or threat-detection.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe children who grow up in hostile homes, permanently scanning their environment for signs of conflict to maintain stability. This mindset persists into adulthood, where they react to emotional pressure by reflexively shutting down.
Psychology says people who retreat into silence when upset aren't broken or withholding — they often come from homes where speaking up changed the atmosphere in the room, and they've been managing the atmosphere ever since
Read the full article ↗Silicon Canals