Alarm

/əˈlɑːm/ · noun

Meaning

A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy..

Definitions by Sense

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

Example Sentences

Arming to answer in a night alarm.

Sound an alarm in my holy mountain.

She went about the house in a state of real terror, and yet lied monstrously and wilfully, and invented many of the alarms she spread, and made many of the sounds we heard.

The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.

Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms Be ready to direct these home alarms.

Is it then true, as distant rumours run, that crowds of rivals for thy mother's charms thy Palace fill with insults and alarms?

Alarm and resentment spread through the camp.

The clock radio is a friendlier version of the cold alarm by the bedside.

Synonyms for alarm

Antonyms for alarm

Related Words

Word Forms

• alarms
• alarum
• alarming
• alarmed

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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