alarm
6 synonyms and 0 antonyms for alarm, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A sound, signal, or device that warns of danger or draws attention to something needing action.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use alarm
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old Italian all'arme!, literally "to arms!" — a battle cry that passed through French into English as a single word.
Full origin of alarm →Frequently asked questions
What does “alarm” mean?
The word “alarm” means a sound, signal, or device that warns of danger or draws attention to something needing action. In plain terms, a warning signal (noun) or the act of frightening/warning someone (verb).
How do you pronounce “alarm”?
“Alarm” is pronounced uh-LAHM (/əˈlɑɹm/ in IPA).
How do you use “alarm” in a sentence?
Here is “alarm” used in a sentence: “The fire alarm went off just as the meeting was starting.”
What part of speech is “alarm”?
Depending on how it is used, “alarm” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “alarm” come from?
The word “alarm” comes from French. From Old Italian all'arme!, literally "to arms!" — a battle cry that passed through French into English as a single word.
Is “alarm” a common word?
“Alarm” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “alarm” have?
“Alarm” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a sound, signal, or device that warns of danger or draws attention to something needing action.
What is the difference between "alarm" and "alert"?
An "alarm" is a signal or device that warns of danger, or the fear such danger causes, and it often implies something automatic like a fire alarm. An "alert" is more often a warning message that calls for attention or readiness. Alarms tend to sound, while alerts tend to inform.
What is the difference between the two meanings of "alarm"?
"Alarm" can be a sound, signal, or device that warns of danger, as in a burglar alarm, or it can be the sudden feeling of fear and anxiety that a sense of danger causes, as in "she watched with alarm." One is external and audible, the other an internal emotion.