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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

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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