adjective

alert

Translation

alert, watchful, warning, to warn

Stay alert while driving at night.

I received a weather alert on my phone.

The system will alert you to any changes.

((to be alert)) to be watchful You must be alert at all times.

((an alert)) a warning I received an alert on my phone.

((to alert sb. of/to sth.)) to warn sb. about sth. Please alert me to any problems.

Adjective: watchful, vigilant; Noun: warning, notification; Verb: warn, notify; Antonyms: drowsy, inattentive

From Italian 'all'erta', meaning 'on the watch'. 'Erta' means a watchtower or high place.

Imagine being 'all ears' to be alert. The sound is similar.