vigil

/ˈvɪdʒəl/
noun
  1. A period of staying awake to watch, pray, or protest, especially during the night.
    • The community held a candlelight vigil for peace outside the town hall.
    • She kept a vigil at her father's bedside during his final illness.
    • The soldiers maintained a silent vigil at the memorial all night.
  2. The eve of a religious festival, observed with prayer and fasting.
    • The vigil before the feast day began at sunset.
    • Many churches hold a special service on the vigil of Christmas.
    • They observed the Easter vigil with readings and hymns.
Antonyms
What does "vigil" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean