A vigil is a period of staying awake through the night or keeping watch for a specific purpose. It describes times when people intentionally stay alert instead of sleeping.

People keep vigils for many different reasons. Someone might keep a vigil at the bedside of a sick family member, staying awake through the night to be there if they're needed. Before important religious holidays, some people hold prayer vigils, staying awake to mark the occasion with special meaning. When communities experience tragedy, groups sometimes gather for candlelight vigils, standing together in silence to honor those affected.

A vigil suggests both patience and purpose. You're keeping watch because something or someone matters deeply to you. A sailor on night watch aboard a ship keeps a vigil for dangers. A group waiting for news of a rescue operation might keep vigil until they hear something.

The word can also describe careful, continuous attention over time, not just through one night. A community keeping vigil over a local issue means they're staying alert and involved, watching carefully to see what happens next.