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Vigil (Noun)

A period of sleeplessness.

Nouns denoting cognitive processes and contents.

After a week of late nights at work, she settled into a length of fitful vigil, lying awake for hours each night.
A weary vigil marked the days as the family anxiously waited for news of their loved one.
Many people keep vigil the night before an important exam, mentally rehearsing answers and trying to stay calm.
For a few nights, the entire neighborhood maintained a quiet vigil after a series of mysterious thefts.
Following the bad news, Sarah embarked on a long and painful vigil that would prove especially difficult.

A purposeful surveillance to guard or observe.

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

The police kept a vigil around the suspect's house, watching for any sign of his accomplices.
A group of concerned citizens maintained a vigil outside the hospital, waiting for news of the injured victim.
The night watchman's vigil over the factory ensured that no intruders could sneak in.
After the robbery, the bank added extra security guards to keep a vigil over the premise during business hours.
The team of wildlife researchers kept a vigil near the nest, observing the endangered birds without disturbing them.

The rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival).

Nouns denoting acts or actions.

The devout followers kept a vigil through the night in preparation for the dawn Easter Mass.
The church remained open for those who wished to participate in the midnight Christmas vigil.
During the Days of Awe, many Jews stay up late at night in a vigil of contemplation and prayer.
The parishioners prayed through the night in a quiet vigil before the Stations of the Cross procession on Good Friday.
In some cultures, families would hold a vigil on the eve of a loved one's saint day to honor the memory of their ancestors.