alarm

1. A sudden fear caused by the realization of danger.
2. A warning of existing or approaching danger.
3. An electrical, electronic, or mechanical device that serves to warn of danger by means of a sound or signal.
4. The sounding mechanism of an alarm clock.
5. A call to arms.

1. To fill with alarm; frighten. See Synonyms at fear, frighten.
2. To give warning to.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French alarme

Origin: , from Old Italian allarme

Origin: , from all'arme, to arms

Origin: : alla, to the (from Latin ad illa : ad, to; see ad- + illa, neuter pl. of ille, that, the; see al-¹ in Indo-European roots)

Origin: + arme, arms (from Latin arma; see ar- in Indo-European roots)

Related Forms:

• a·larmˈing·ly adverb