alarm

Noun

1. (countable, uncountable) A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
2. (countable, uncountable) Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
3. (countable, uncountable) A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger.
4. (countable, uncountable) A sudden attack; a disturbance.
5. (countable, uncountable) Sudden surprise with fear or terror excited by apprehension of danger; in the military use, commonly, sudden apprehension of being attacked by surprise.
6. (countable, uncountable) A mechanical device for awaking people, or rousing their attention.
7. (countable, uncountable) An instance of an alarm ringing, beeping or clanging, to give a noise signal at a certain time.

Verb

1. (transitive) To call to arms for defense.
2. (transitive) To give (someone) notice of approaching danger or necessary action; to rouse to vigilance; to put on the alert.
3. (transitive) To produce a warning of approaching danger or necessary action; to emit a signal intended to rouse a recipient to vigilance or put them on the alert.
4. (transitive) To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.
5. (transitive) To keep in excitement; to disturb.

Pronounced as (IPA)

/əˈlɑːm/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: alarme

In summary

From Middle English alarme, alarom, borrowed from Middle French alarme, itself from Old Italian all'arme! (“to arms!, to the weapons!”), ultimately from Latin arma (“arms, weapons”).

Synonyms

fear

😨

scare

😨

frighten

alert

fright

worry

dismay

disturb

startle

terror

anxiety

warning

⚠️

consternation

concern

shock

⚡

dread

appal

terrify

apprehension

uneasiness

agitate

trouble

sound the alarm

signal

tocsin

raise the alarm

agitation

siren

intimidate

disconcert

disquiet

alarm bell

astound

panic

take aback

horrify

appall

stun

unrest

alarm clock

⏰

upset

stupefy

warn

terrorize

stupor

nervousness

puzzle

alarum

alarm system

stagger

Translations

alarme

alarma

allarme

Alarm

alarme

alarmar

alarmieren

alarmeren

alarmar

alarm

alarm

alarma

alarmer

alerter

συναγερμός

Sentences

The alarm pheromone emitted when a bee stings another animal smells like bananas .