A period of staying awake to keep watch or pray, especially during normal sleeping hours; a peaceful demonstration or memorial gathering.
From Latin 'vigilia' meaning 'a watching' or 'wakefulness', from 'vigil' (awake, watchful). Originally used for religious observances, later extended to secular contexts of watchful waiting.
Vigils transform waiting into a sacred act - whether keeping watch over the sick, mourning the dead, or bearing witness to injustice. The word captures how staying awake when others sleep can become a form of prayer, protest, or profound care.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.