SportsJuly 9, 2026
vigil
/ˈvɪdʒ.əl/
Definition
A period of keeping awake during the time usually spent asleep, especially to keep watch, pray, or mourn a death.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'vigil' meaning 'awake' or 'watchful.' It entered English through the Old French 'vigile,' maintaining its association with religious or solemn observances.
In the news
Kyiv held a vigil to mourn those killed in a recent Russian missile strike, highlighting the emotional weight of the IOC's decision to lift the ban on Russian athletes on the same day.
The IOC clears the way for Russian athletes to return to Olympic competition
Read the full article ↗NPR