Synonyms/Hypernyms (Ordered by Estimated Frequency) of noun vigil

3 senses of vigil

Sense 1
vigil -- (a period of sleeplessness)
       => wakefulness -- (a periodic state during which you are conscious and aware of the world; "consciousness during wakefulness in a sane person is pretty well ordered and familiar")

Sense 2
vigil, watch -- (the rite of staying awake for devotional purposes (especially on the eve of a religious festival))
       => rite, religious rite -- (an established ceremony prescribed by a religion; "the rite of baptism")

Sense 3
watch, vigil -- (a purposeful surveillance to guard or observe)
       => surveillance -- (close observation of a person or group (usually by the police))