alarm

1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈlärm

variants or less commonly alarum

ə-ˈlär-əm

also

-ˈler-

-ˈla-rəm

usually alarum, archaic : a call to arms

… the angry trumpet sounds alarum …

William Shakespeare

: a signal (such as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts

also : a device that signals

set the alarm to wake me at seven

: sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger

: a warning notice

alarm

2 of 2

verb

variants or less commonly alarum

alarmed also alarumed; alarming also alaruming; alarms also alarums

transitive verb

: to strike with fear

: disturb, excite

: to give warning to

: to equip with an alarm

Did you know?

Today we usually think of an alarm as a loud noise that awakens us or warns us of danger. Its first use, however, was in Italy as a call to arms to soldiers. The Italian phrase all’arme! means literally “to arms” or “to your weapons.” The call was borrowed into other languages and came to be shortened to alarme in early French and Middle English. The word also came to be used as the name for the cry, then for any warning, and then to any device used to sound a warning, such as a bell or a gun. Since an alarm can cause fright or worry, such feelings also came to be known as alarm. By the 17th century, the word was used as a verb, meaning “to warn of danger” and then “to frighten.”

Example Sentences

Noun The alarm went off when he opened the door. The whole town heard the alarm. She set the alarm for six o'clock. The alarm went off at six o'clock. The rumors caused widespread alarm and concern. His parents have expressed alarm about his safety. The new developments are being viewed with alarm. She looked around in alarm when she heard the noise. The dog's barking gave the alarm and the intruders were caught. A passerby saw the intruders and raised the alarm. Verb I didn't mean to alarm you. The rapid spread of the disease has alarmed many people. See More

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Britain’s sudden energy agony is a five-alarm warning if the climate progressives continue to have their way.

The Editorial Board, WSJ, 26 Aug. 2022 The department responded to a two-alarm fire in the 13400 block of Old Hanover Road at about 7:50 p.m. and discovered the victim at about 8:21 p.m., said department spokesman Captain Len Stewart.

Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2022 The two-alarm fire was reported around 4:40 p.m. at the Office Depot on Fletcher Parkway near Jackson Drive.

Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2022 Investigators got their first close look inside the theater on Monday, 16 days after a three-alarm blaze engulfed the structure.

oregonlive, 22 Aug. 2022 Investigators continued their probe Saturday into a six-alarm fire that tore through the Mattapoisett Boatyard Friday afternoon, leaving a man hospitalized with serious injuries.

John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 Authorities soon upgraded the incident to a second-alarm brush fire.

Gregory Yeestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2022 For the pharmaceutical players impacted most by the bill, this is the equivalent of a five-alarm fire.

Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Aug. 2022 Residents of the Wood Street encampment in West Oakland are fighting a pending eviction after a two-alarm fire broke out on CalTrans property at the site in mid-July.

Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 July 2022

Verb

Needham argues the discrepancy between military housing allowances and the current market should alarm officials who are already struggling to recruit the next generation.

R.j. Rico, al, 20 Aug. 2022 Needham argues that the discrepancy between military housing allowances and the current market should alarm officials who are already struggling to recruit the next generation.

R.j. Rico, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Aug. 2022 But this does not mean that the metaverse should alarm us.

Matthew Ball, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 The climate effects may alarm those concerned with sustainability.

Wired, 21 July 2022 The warning is not meant to alarm voters, but simply to inform them.

Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2022 Testers also like that the lock can be programmed to alarm if the door is left open for a certain period of time.

Dan Diclerico, Good Housekeeping, 10 May 2022 The Treason Act is an offense to assault the queen, or have a firearm or offensive weapon in her presence with intent to injure or alarm her or to cause a breach of peace, according to CPS.

Kyla Guilfoil, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2022 Not to alarm you, but a SpaceX Falcon 9 second-stage rocket booster is on track to crash into the moon.

Ramin Skibba, Wired, 31 Jan. 2022 See More

Kids Definition

alarm 1 of 2

noun

ə-ˈlärm

: a warning of danger

The dog's barking gave the alarm.

: a device (as a bell) that warns or signals people

a car alarm

: alarm clock

Set the alarm for six o'clock.

: the feeling of fear caused by a sudden sense of danger

She was filled with alarm on hearing the crash downstairs.

alarm

2 of 2

verb

alarmed; alarming

: to cause to feel a sense of danger : worry or frighten Their strange behavior alarmed us.

alarm 1 of 2

noun

variants also alarum

as in concern

suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune observed with alarm the man staggering toward the edge of the cliff

Synonyms & Similar Words

Relevance

concern
apprehension
worry
dread
apprehensiveness
unease
fearfulness
uncertainty
anxiety
agitation
distress
misgiving
uneasiness
disquiet
foreboding
disturbance
suspense
disquietude
perturbation
pessimism
mistrust
solicitude
doubt
anxiousness
funk
suspiciousness
wariness
premonition
defeatism
scruple
presentiment
incertitude
foreknowledge
presage

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

excitement
anticipation
hope
confidence
optimism
hopefulness
sanguinity

as in warning

the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk in a daring midnight ride Paul Revere gave the alarm that British troops were approaching

Synonyms & Similar Words

warning
alert
prediction
forewarning
announcement
admonition
suggestion
predicting
admonishment
notification
informing
notice
caution
prophecy
heads-up
declaration
premonition
prophesy
forecasting
notifying
recommendation
presaging
prophesying
advice
apprising
foretelling
augury
tip
prognosticating
tip-off
guidance
auguring
counsel

as in fear

the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger filled with alarm when the flood waters reached their front steps

Synonyms & Similar Words

fear
panic
fearfulness
anxiety
terror
dread
scare
fright
worry
trepidation
concern
horror
nervousness
agitation
dismay
phobia
jitters
pang
disquiet
apprehension
creeps
consternation
perturbation
twinge
funk
qualm
timidity
cowardice
discomposure
willies
faintheartedness
timorousness

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

assurance
confidence
boldness
courage
aplomb
daring
self-assurance
bravery
fearlessness
intrepidity
hardihood
fortitude
dauntlessness
audacity
nerve
gallantry
self-confidence
valor
stoutness
courageousness
intrepidness
doughtiness
guts

alarm

2 of 2

verb

variants also alarum

as in to scare

to strike with fear I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch

Synonyms & Similar Words

scare
frighten
panic
spook
shock
fright
affright
worry
terrify
startle
horrify
scarify
terrorize
dismay
upset
shake
appall
distress
make one's flesh crawl
give one the creeps
awe
disquiet
make one's flesh creep
jolt
appal
shake up
discomfort
floor
bowl over
daunt
amaze
astound
disconcert
dispirit
unnerve
distract
unman
unsettle
emasculate
chill
perturb
discompose
unstring
disturb
undo
psych (out)
demoralize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

reassure
assure
cheer
soothe
comfort
console
steel
encourage
inspire
hearten
solace
embolden

as in to dismay

to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel

Synonyms & Similar Words

dismay
worry
concern
distress
upset
disquiet
anger
annoy
discomfort
disturb
flurry
ail
fuss
exercise
distemper
bother
agitate
discompose
unsettle
distract
perturb
weird out
unhinge
frazzle
derail
exasperate
undo
aggravate
irritate
bug
grate
hagride
irk
get
rile
rattle
confuse
vex
plague
fret
chafe
freak (out)
peeve
fluster
harry
embarrass
harass
disconcert
pique
put off
put out
confound
discomfit
gall
pester
nettle
haunt
daunt
unnerve
shake up
abash
nonplus
faze
mortify
dispirit
chivy
discountenance
discourage
bedevil
chivvy
jar
dishearten
demoralize

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

calm
soothe
quiet
allay
alleviate
settle
assuage
compose
tranquillize
tranquilize
mollify
pacify
placate
appease
conciliate
propitiate

Synonym Chooser

Some common synonyms of alarm are dread, fear, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

view the situation with alarm

The words dread and alarm can be used in similar contexts, but 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

While the synonyms fear and alarm are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

fear of the unknown

The synonyms fright and alarm are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

fright at being awakened suddenly

In some situations, the words panic and alarm are roughly equivalent. However, panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

the news caused widespread panic

The meanings of terror and alarm largely overlap; however, 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

单词	alarm
释义	alarm 1 of 2 noun ə-ˈlärm variants or less commonly alarum ə-ˈlär-əm also -ˈler- -ˈla-rəm 1 usually alarum, archaic : a call to arms … the angry trumpet sounds alarum … William Shakespeare 2 : a signal (such 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 alarm 2 of 2 verb variants or less commonly alarum alarmed also alarumed; alarming also alaruming; alarms also alarums transitive verb 1 : to strike with fear 2 : disturb, excite 3 : to give warning to 4 : to equip with an alarm Did you know? Today we usually think of an alarm as a loud noise that awakens us or warns us of danger. Its first use, however, was in Italy as a call to arms to soldiers. The Italian phrase all’arme! means literally “to arms” or “to your weapons.” The call was borrowed into other languages and came to be shortened to alarme in early French and Middle English. The word also came to be used as the name for the cry, then for any warning, and then to any device used to sound a warning, such as a bell or a gun. Since an alarm can cause fright or worry, such feelings also came to be known as alarm. By the 17th century, the word was used as a verb, meaning “to warn of danger” and then “to frighten.” Synonyms Noun apprehension apprehensiveness dread foreboding misgiving Verb affright fright frighten horrify panic scare scarify shock spook startle terrify terrorize See all Synonyms & Antonyms Example Sentences Noun The alarm went off when he opened the door. The whole town heard the alarm. She set the alarm for six o'clock. The alarm went off at six o'clock. The rumors caused widespread alarm and concern. His parents have expressed alarm about his safety. The new developments are being viewed with alarm. She looked around in alarm when she heard the noise. The dog's barking gave the alarm and the intruders were caught. A passerby saw the intruders and raised the alarm. Verb I didn't mean to alarm you. The rapid spread of the disease has alarmed many people. See More Recent Examples on the Web Noun Britain’s sudden energy agony is a five-alarm warning if the climate progressives continue to have their way. The Editorial Board, WSJ, 26 Aug. 2022 The department responded to a two-alarm fire in the 13400 block of Old Hanover Road at about 7:50 p.m. and discovered the victim at about 8:21 p.m., said department spokesman Captain Len Stewart. Sam Janesch, Baltimore Sun, 26 Aug. 2022 The two-alarm fire was reported around 4:40 p.m. at the Office Depot on Fletcher Parkway near Jackson Drive. Karen Kucher, San Diego Union-Tribune, 25 Aug. 2022 Investigators got their first close look inside the theater on Monday, 16 days after a three-alarm blaze engulfed the structure. oregonlive, 22 Aug. 2022 Investigators continued their probe Saturday into a six-alarm fire that tore through the Mattapoisett Boatyard Friday afternoon, leaving a man hospitalized with serious injuries. John Hilliard, BostonGlobe.com, 20 Aug. 2022 Authorities soon upgraded the incident to a second-alarm brush fire. Gregory Yeestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 10 Aug. 2022 For the pharmaceutical players impacted most by the bill, this is the equivalent of a five-alarm fire. Ed Silverman, STAT, 2 Aug. 2022 Residents of the Wood Street encampment in West Oakland are fighting a pending eviction after a two-alarm fire broke out on CalTrans property at the site in mid-July. Fifth & Mission Podcast, San Francisco Chronicle, 29 July 2022 Verb Needham argues the discrepancy between military housing allowances and the current market should alarm officials who are already struggling to recruit the next generation. R.j. Rico, al, 20 Aug. 2022 Needham argues that the discrepancy between military housing allowances and the current market should alarm officials who are already struggling to recruit the next generation. R.j. Rico, Anchorage Daily News, 20 Aug. 2022 But this does not mean that the metaverse should alarm us. Matthew Ball, WSJ, 11 Aug. 2022 The climate effects may alarm those concerned with sustainability. Wired, 21 July 2022 The warning is not meant to alarm voters, but simply to inform them. Shelley Jones, Chicago Tribune, 22 July 2022 Testers also like that the lock can be programmed to alarm if the door is left open for a certain period of time. Dan Diclerico, Good Housekeeping, 10 May 2022 The Treason Act is an offense to assault the queen, or have a firearm or offensive weapon in her presence with intent to injure or alarm her or to cause a breach of peace, according to CPS. Kyla Guilfoil, ABC News, 2 Aug. 2022 Not to alarm you, but a SpaceX Falcon 9 second-stage rocket booster is on track to crash into the moon. Ramin Skibba, Wired, 31 Jan. 2022 See More Word History Etymology Noun Middle English alarme, alarom, from Middle French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms First Known Use Noun 15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Verb 1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1 Phrases Containing alarm alarm reaction fire alarm no cause for alarm raise/sound the alarm burglar alarm still alarm alarm clock false alarm alarm reaction fire alarm no cause for alarm raise/sound the alarm burglar alarm still alarm alarm clock false alarm See More Kids Definition alarm 1 of 2 noun ə-ˈlärm 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. alarm 2 of 2 verb alarmed; alarming : to cause to feel a sense of danger : worry or frighten Their strange behavior alarmed us. alarm 1 of 2 noun variants also alarum 1 as in concern suspicion or fear of future harm or misfortune observed with alarm the man staggering toward the edge of the cliff Synonyms & Similar Words Relevance concern apprehension worry dread apprehensiveness unease fearfulness uncertainty anxiety agitation distress misgiving uneasiness disquiet foreboding disturbance suspense disquietude perturbation pessimism mistrust solicitude doubt anxiousness funk suspiciousness wariness premonition defeatism scruple presentiment incertitude foreknowledge presage Antonyms & Near Antonyms excitement anticipation hope confidence optimism hopefulness sanguinity See More 2 as in warning the act or an instance of telling beforehand of danger or risk in a daring midnight ride Paul Revere gave the alarm that British troops were approaching Synonyms & Similar Words warning alert prediction forewarning announcement admonition suggestion predicting admonishment notification informing notice caution prophecy heads-up declaration premonition prophesy forecasting notifying recommendation presaging prophesying advice apprising foretelling augury tip prognosticating tip-off guidance auguring counsel 3 as in fear the emotion experienced in the presence or threat of danger filled with alarm when the flood waters reached their front steps Synonyms & Similar Words fear panic fearfulness anxiety terror dread scare fright worry trepidation concern horror nervousness agitation dismay phobia jitters pang disquiet apprehension creeps consternation perturbation twinge funk qualm timidity cowardice discomposure willies faintheartedness timorousness Antonyms & Near Antonyms assurance confidence boldness courage aplomb daring self-assurance bravery fearlessness intrepidity hardihood fortitude dauntlessness audacity nerve gallantry self-confidence valor stoutness courageousness intrepidness doughtiness guts See More alarm 2 of 2 verb variants also alarum 1 as in to scare to strike with fear I don't want to alarm you, but I think you should know there's a bear on your back porch Synonyms & Similar Words scare frighten panic spook shock fright affright worry terrify startle horrify scarify terrorize dismay upset shake appall distress make one's flesh crawl give one the creeps awe disquiet make one's flesh creep jolt appal shake up discomfort floor bowl over daunt amaze astound disconcert dispirit unnerve distract unman unsettle emasculate chill perturb discompose unstring disturb undo psych (out) demoralize Antonyms & Near Antonyms reassure assure cheer soothe comfort console steel encourage inspire hearten solace embolden See More 2 as in to dismay to trouble the mind of; to make uneasy alarmed at the skyrocketing cost of home heating fuel Synonyms & Similar Words dismay worry concern distress upset disquiet anger annoy discomfort disturb flurry ail fuss exercise distemper bother agitate discompose unsettle distract perturb weird out unhinge frazzle derail exasperate undo aggravate irritate bug grate hagride irk get rile rattle confuse vex plague fret chafe freak (out) peeve fluster harry embarrass harass disconcert pique put off put out confound discomfit gall pester nettle haunt daunt unnerve shake up abash nonplus faze mortify dispirit chivy discountenance discourage bedevil chivvy jar dishearten demoralize Antonyms & Near Antonyms calm soothe quiet allay alleviate settle assuage compose tranquillize tranquilize mollify pacify placate appease conciliate propitiate See More Synonym Chooser Some common synonyms of alarm are dread, fear, fright, panic, terror, and trepidation. While all these words mean "painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger," alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger. view the situation with alarm The words dread and alarm can be used in similar contexts, but 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 While the synonyms fear and alarm are close in meaning, fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. fear of the unknown The synonyms fright and alarm are sometimes interchangeable, but fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear. fright at being awakened suddenly In some situations, the words panic and alarm are roughly equivalent. However, panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity. the news caused widespread panic The meanings of terror and alarm largely overlap; however, 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
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alarm

noun

verb

Did you know?

Synonyms

Example Sentences

Word History

Phrases Containing alarm

Kids Definition

noun

verb

noun

verb

Synonym Chooser