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alarm Definition

alarm (ə lärm)

noun

  1. Archaic a sudden call to arms
  2. a signal, sound, cry, etc. that is a warning of danger
  3. a mechanism designed to warn of danger or trespassing a burglar alarm
  4. the bell, buzzer, etc. of an alarm clock
  5. fear caused by the sudden realization of danger

Etymology: ME alarme < OFr < It all'arme, to arms

transitive verb

  1. to warn of approaching danger
  2. to make suddenly afraid or anxious; frighten

alarm Synonyms

alarm

n.

  1. Anything that gives a warning

    bell, siren, horn, signal, tocsin, buzzer, beeper, call, alarm clock, burglar alarm, fire alarm, fire bell, foghorn, gong, whistle, drum, trumpet, distress signal, SOS, Mayday, red light, hoot, blast, shout, alarm bell, call to arms, summons to arms, warning sound, sound of trumpet, beat of drum, war cry, hue and cry, danger signal, signal of distress, cry, squeal, yell, scream, air raid siren, panic button*, escape button*, chicken switch*.

  2. Apprehension of danger

    fear, dread, fright, trepidation; see fear 1, 2.

  3. A warning

    alert, notification, caution; see warning. See syn. study atfear.

alarm Synonyms

alarm

v.

frighten, scare, terrify; see frighten. See syn. study atfrighten.

alarm Usage Examples

Converse of object

  • activate: Search and rescue messages will activate the acoustic alarm.
  • vibrate: The vibrating pad alarms are particularly useful for deaf-blind people.
  • raise: In summary all staff should know: How to raise the alarm.
  • install: You install a burglar alarm to protect your house.
  • fit: Follow the manufacturers instructions on how to fit the alarm.

Adjective modifier

  • false: In November a false alarm went out on a calm Tuesday evening.
  • audible: Audible intruder alarms are widely used to protect property from unauthorized entry.
  • monitored: Installing monitored alarms so that intruders can be detected immediately.

Modifies a noun

  • clock: The type of alarm clock your deaf child chooses will depend on how heavy a sleeper they are.
  • bell: All alarm bells should be ringing around the world!
  • ringing: These findings, quite rightly, should start alarm bells ringing.
  • activation: Elsewhere, local procedures will be established for calling the Fire Brigade in the event of a fire alarm activation.
  • sounder: Should a head detect a fire, an internal and external alarm sounder will activate to alert the occupants.

Noun used with modifier

  • smoke: These include: - Fitting a smoke alarm - Buying an approved car seat.
  • burglar: You install a burglar alarm to protect your house.
  • intruder: Use intruder alarm equipment to monitor building or room entry.
  • fire: Someone switched the fire alarm on at 3.00 in the morning!
  • panic: In fact approximately 64,000 children rely on us to let them know that their parents need help when they press their panic alarm buttons.
  • radio: All rooms are thoughtfully equipped with color television, tea & coffee making facilities, and radio alarm clock.
alarm Quotes

A message came on the wireless for me. It said: ''. So the time had come, I thought, Eighth Army was taking the offensive. The date was, I think, May18th,1942.

—Peniakoff,Vladimir

Browse dictionary entries near alarm

  1. Alaric
  2. Alarcón
  3. alar
  4. alanine
  5. Åland
  6. Alan
  7. Alamogordo
  8. alamo
  9. Alamine
  10. alameda
  1. alarm clock
  2. alarmed
  3. alarming
  4. alarmist
  5. alarum
  6. alary
  7. alas
  8. Alaska
  9. Alaska Highway
  10. Alaska Peninsula