adj.
quick to notice and respond to potential danger or problems.
▸intellectually active.
n.
- the state of being alert:
everyone should be on the alert for terrorists.
- a warning of danger.
- a prompt or similar signal on an electronic device.
v.
warn of a danger or problem.
Derivative
- alertly adv.
- alertness n.
Etymology
C16 (orig. in military use): from Fr. alerte, from Ital. all' erta ‘to the watchtower’.