noun. a state of significant awareness and alertness guided by one or more group members toward the environment, frequently toward possible dangers. With regard to animal actions, escalations in females after the birth of their offspring and in reaction to alarm calls. With regard to big groups, there can be a division of labor, with people taking turns in keeping watch. With regard to a military framework, jobs require maximum psychological and physiological awareness and preparedness to react, marked by an capacity to manage and react to stimulant alterations for undisturbed lengths of time.