alarm
alarm Lexical Profile
alarm Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A warning sound or signal indicating a danger or an emergency.
"When the fire alarm sounded, everyone evacuated the building in an orderly manner."
An electronic or mechanical device designed to give a warning or wake someone up.
"I set my alarm for six o'clock in the morning so I wouldn't miss the early flight."
An anxious awareness of danger; sudden fear or distressing suspense.
"The sudden drop in atmospheric pressure caused considerable alarm among the coastal villagers."
• verb
To cause someone to feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.
"The rapid spread of the novel virus began to alarm health officials worldwide."
To fit or equip a building, vehicle, or area with a security warning system.
"The museum decided to alarm all the emergency exits to prevent further thefts."
• Rhymes for alarm
Word Origin & Etymology
From Middle English 'alarme', borrowed from Old French 'alarme', which traces back to the Italian phrase 'all'arme!', meaning 'to the arms!' or 'to weapons!', originally used as a military call to battle.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.