alarm

¹alarm

noun \ə-ˈlärm\

Definition of ALARM

1

usually alarum archaic : a call to arms <the angry trumpet sounds alarum — Shakespeare>

2

: a signal (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

Variants of ALARM

alarm also ala·rum \ə-ˈlär-əm also -ˈler-; -ˈla-rəm\

Examples of ALARM

1. The alarm went off when he opened the door.
2. The whole town heard the alarm.
3. She set the alarm for six o'clock.
4. The alarm went off at six o'clock.
5. The rumors caused widespread alarm and concern.
6. His parents have expressed alarm about his safety.
7. The new developments are being viewed with alarm.
8. She looked around in alarm when she heard the noise.
9. The dog's barking gave the alarm and the intruders were caught.
10. A passerby saw the intruders and raised the alarm.

Origin of ALARM

Middle English alarme, alarom, from Middle French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to ALARM

Synonyms: apprehension (also alarum), apprehensiveness, dread, foreboding, misgiving

Related Words: agitation, anxiety, anxiousness, concern, disquiet, disquietude, distress, disturbance, fearfulness, funk, perturbation, solicitude, suspense, unease, uneasiness; scruple, worry; doubt, incertitude, mistrust, suspiciousness, uncertainty, wariness; defeatism, pessimism; foreknowledge, premonition, presage, presentiment

Near Antonyms: anticipation, excitement, hope, hopefulness; confidence, optimism, sanguinity

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See Synonym Discussion at fear

Rhymes with ALARM

disarm, dry farm, fat farm, firearm, fish farm, forearm, gisarme, poor farm, rearm, sidearm, stiff-arm, straight-arm, strong-arm, tonearm, tree farm, truck farm, unarm, wind farm, work farm, yardarm