alarm
uh-LAHM
Alarm (noun) means a sound, signal, or device that warns of danger or draws attention to something needing action. Example: “The fire alarm went off just as the meeting was starting.”
noun
1
A sound, signal, or device that warns of danger or draws attention to something needing action.
"The fire alarm went off just as the meeting was starting."
"She set three alarms so she wouldn't oversleep."
"The burglar alarm began to ring loudly, so the neighbours called the police."
2
A sudden feeling of fear or anxiety caused by a sense of danger.
"There was real alarm in his voice when he called to say he'd be late."
"She looked at the doctor in alarm when he mentioned more tests."
"The sudden silence on the radio filled the crew with alarm."
verb
1
To make someone worried or afraid, often by warning them of a danger.
"The strange noise from the engine began to alarm the passengers."
"Don't be alarmed — it's just a routine inspection."
"I did not mean to alarm you, but your car lights are still on."
How to use alarm
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA warning signal (noun) or the act of frightening/warning someone (verb).
Common pairings
set an alarm
sound the alarm
raise the alarm
alarm bells
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Word forms
- Plural
- alarms
- Third person singular
- alarms
- Past tense
- alarmed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The fire _____ went off just as the meeting was starting.
Etymology
From Old Italian all'arme!, literally "to arms!" — a battle cry that passed through French into English as a single word.
Synonyms
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Related words
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.
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