Dictionary
1alarm
noun \ə-ˈlärm\
: a device that makes a loud sound as a warning or signal
: a feeling of fear caused by a sudden sense of danger
: a warning of danger
Full Definition of ALARM
1
usually alarum archaic : a call to arms <the angry trumpet sounds alarum — Shakespeare>
2
: a signal (as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts; also : a device that signals <set the alarm to wake me at seven>
3
: sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger
4
: a warning notice
See alarm defined for English-language learners
See alarm defined for kids
Variants of ALARM
alarm also ala·rum \ə-ˈlär-əm also -ˈler-; -ˈla-rəm\
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Origin of ALARM
Middle English alarme, alarom, from Middle French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to ALARM
- Synonyms
- apprehension (also alarum), apprehensiveness, dread, foreboding, misgiving
Synonym Discussion of ALARM
fear, dread, fright, alarm, panic, terror, trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage <fear of the unknown>. dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety <faced the meeting with dread>. fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear <fright at being awakened suddenly>. alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger <view the situation with alarm>. panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity <the news caused widespread panic>. terror implies the most extreme degree of fear <immobilized with terror>. trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation <raised the subject with trepidation>.
2alarm
verb
: to cause (someone) to feel a sense of danger : to worry or frighten (someone)
Full Definition of ALARM
transitive verb
1
: to strike with fear
3
: to give warning to
4
: to equip with an alarm
— alarm·ing·ly \-ˈlär-miŋ-lē\ adverb
See alarm defined for English-language learners
Variants of ALARM
alarm also alarum
First Known Use of ALARM
1586
ALARUM Defined for Kids
1alarm
noun \ə-ˈlärm\
Definition of ALARM for Kids
1
: a warning of danger <The dog's barking gave the alarm.>
2
: a device (as a bell) that warns or signals people <a car alarm>
3
: alarm clock <Set the alarm for six o'clock.>
4
: the feeling of fear caused by a sudden sense of danger <She was filled with alarm on hearing the crash downstairs.>
2alarm
verb
alarmedalarm·ing
Definition of ALARM for Kids
: to cause to feel a sense of danger : worry or frighten <Their strange behavior alarmed us.>
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