alert
UK[əˈlɜːt]US[əˈlɜːrt]
adj
Quick to notice and respond to danger or problems; watchful.
n
A state of watchfulness for danger.
v
To warn someone of a danger or problem.
Morpheme Breakdown
al
ert
al
to
ert
watchful, raised
Etymology
The word 'alert' entered English in the late 16th century from the French phrase 'à l'erte', meaning 'on the watch'. This phrase itself derives from the Italian 'all'erta', literally translating to 'to the watchtower' or 'to the lookout point'. The Italian 'erta' comes from the Latin 'erecta', the feminine past participle of 'erigere' (to raise up), linking the concept of being alert to the physical act of standing up straight and being watchful. Over time, the military sense of being on the lookout for danger broadened into the modern general meaning of being mentally vigilant and quick to respond.
Analysis
Structure: al (to) + ert (watchful, raised)
'al' is from the Latin prefix 'ad-', meaning 'to' or 'toward'. 'ert' is from the Latin verb 'erigere', meaning 'to raise up'.
Examples
Security guards must remain alert throughout the night.
The government issued a severe weather alert for the coastal region.
The smoke alarm alerted the family to the fire.