alarm

uh-LARM/əˈlɑɹm/UKuh-LAHM/əˈlɑːm/

12 meanings of alarm

1
nouncountable
A device that warns people about danger such as fire or a break-in.
Like a guard dog that barks loudly when a stranger comes near.
The smoke alarm went off the moment the toast started burning.
They fitted a burglar alarm beside the front door.
2
nouncountable
A device that makes a sound at a set time to wake someone.
Like a rooster that crows to wake the whole farm at dawn.
She set the alarm for six so she would not oversleep.
My phone alarm buzzes every weekday at seven.
3
nouncountable
A sound or message that warns people danger is near.
Like someone shouting 'Look out!' to warn everyone of danger.
The lifeguard raised the alarm the instant she spotted a shark.
A loud alarm spread through the village as the river rose.
Similarwarning, alert, signal
Note
4
nouncountable
A ringing or beeping sound that goes off at a set time.
Like a kitchen timer that buzzes when your food is ready.
The alarm beeped three times and then fell silent.
I hit snooze the moment the alarm went off at dawn.
Similarsignal, bell
Note
5
noununcountable
A sudden feeling of fear caused by sensing that danger is near.
Like the jolt of fear you feel when something jumps out at you.
She jumped back in alarm when the dog lunged at the gate.
His voice rose in alarm as smoke filled the hallway.
Similarfear, anxiety, panic, fright, dread
Oppositecalm, composure
Note
6
verbtransitive
To make someone suddenly afraid or worried about danger.
Like a sudden scream that makes everyone freeze with fear.
The strange noise in the attic alarmed the children.
Loud sirens alarm the younger students during fire drills.
Similarfrighten, worry, scare, unnerve, startle
Oppositereassure, calm, comfort, soothe
7
verbtransitive
To warn someone about danger so they get ready to act.
Like ringing a bell to tell everyone to get ready.
A neighbor ran to alarm the family about the rising water.
The guards alarmed the town as soon as they saw the smoke.
Similarwarn, alert, rouse
Note
8
verbintransitive
Of a machine or device, to give out a signal that warns of danger or tells people to act.
The smoke detector will alarm if you burn the toast again.
Our freezer alarms when someone leaves the door open.
Similarsound, beep
Note
9
nouncountable
A sudden attack or burst of disorder.
Like a surprise raid that catches everyone off guard.
The enemy launched a sudden alarm on the sleeping camp at dawn.
Night raids and fresh alarms gave the defenders no rest.
Similarattack, assault, raid
Note
10
nouncountable
A call telling people to grab weapons when an enemy comes.
Like a horn that calls soldiers to grab their weapons.
The watchman sounded the alarm, and every man grabbed his sword.
At the first alarm, the militia gathered in the town square.
Similaralert
Note
11
verbtransitive
To call people to grab weapons and defend themselves.
Like beating a drum to call soldiers to defend the fort.
The captain alarmed the garrison as soon as the enemy ships appeared.
Drummers alarm the regiment whenever a night attack threatens.
Similaralert, rouse
12
verbtransitive
To keep someone stirred up or excited, or to disturb them.
Similardisturb, agitate

Practice

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Origin

It comes from an Old Italian phrase meaning "to arms!", which came from the Latin word for weapons.