əˈlə:t adj., n., & v. --adj. 1
watchful or
vigilant;
ready to
take action. 2
nimble (esp. of
mental faculties);
attentive. --n. 1 a
warning call or
alarm. 2 a warning of an
air raid. b
the duration of
this. --v.tr. (often foll. by to)
make alert;
warn (were alerted to the danger). øon the alert on the
lookout against danger or
attack. øøalertly adv. alertness n. [F alerte f.
It. all' erta to the watch-tower]