Sekirov Dictionary

alarm

UK /əˈlɑːm/US /əˈlɑɹm/

noun 7
verb 5
forms 5
phrases 1

noun7

•
A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
- Arming to answer in a night alarm. — 1602
•
a device that tells people there is danger, usually by making a loud noise
- The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.
•
A mechanical device for awaking people or rousing their attention.
- The clock radio is a friendlier version of the cold alarm by the bedside.
•
Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
- Sound an alarm in my holy mountain. — 1611
•
An instance of an alarm ringing, beeping or clanging, to give a noise signal at a certain time.
- Last night's alarm turned out to be nothing, but it was terrifying at the time.
•
Sudden surprise with fear or terror caused by the apprehension of danger; a feeling of heightened alertness to risk.
- His actions caused alarm among all the other people in the store, who hurried to leave.
•
A sudden attack; a disturbance.
- Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms Be ready to direct these home alarms. — 1595

verb5

•
To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.
- The loud bang in the hallway seemed to alarm everyone in the building.
•
To give (someone) notice of approaching danger or necessary action; to rouse to vigilance; to put on the alert.
- The sudden drop in temperature should alarm you into taking precautions.
- Her illness started to alarm the doctors, who ordered more tests.
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.
To keep in excitement; to disturb.
To call to arms for defense.

forms

alarmed · alarming · alarmeth · alarms · alarmest

Phrases with alarm

false alarm
A warning signal (such as the call of sentry, the ringing of a bell, or the shriek of a siren) which turns out to have been given erroneously.

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