1. watchful and prompt to meet danger or emergency
an alert guard trying to stay alert to possible problems
2. quick to perceive and act
mentally alert
3. active, brisk
elicited an alert response
4. a state of careful watching and readiness especially for danger or opportunity
on 24-hour alert
5. an alarm or other signal of danger
traffic alerts They sounded the alert.
6. an urgent notice
… an alert to parents … about new immunization requirements.
— Ann Schrader
7. the period during which an alert is in effect
8. looking for or expecting something (such as danger or an opportunity)
Drivers need to be on the alert for icy condition. always on the alert for a good bargain
9. to call (someone) to a state of readiness warn
alerted the school board of a possible teachers' strike alert the authorities
10. to make (someone) aware of something
alerted the public to the dangers of pesticides
11. able to think clearly and to notice things
12. something (such as a message or loud sound) that tells people there is some danger or problem an alarm or signal of danger
13. the state of being ready for something you have been warned about (such as an attack)
14. to give (someone) important information about a possible problem, danger, etc. to warn (someone)
15. to make (someone) aware of something
16. watchful and ready especially to meet danger
But he was alert at night, too, on the road, always listening intently …
— Lois Lowry, The Giver
17. quick to understand and act
An alert reader noticed the error in grammar.
18. an alarm or signal of danger
The police issued an alert.
19. the period during which an alert is in effect
We stayed indoors during the alert.
20. watchful against danger
… the remark had set us all on the alert, straining ears and eyes …
— Robert Louis Stevenson, Treasure Island
21. to make aware of a need to get ready or take action warn
The siren alerted us that a tornado was approaching.