alarm

noun
/əˈlɑːm/

A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.

Other meanings

Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger.
“The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.”

Related words

alarmable
alarmism
alarmist
alarmistic
alarmless
alarmone
fauxcellarm
nonalarm
realarm
alarm bell
alarm clock
alarm reaction

Example sentences

“I don't think your alarm went off.”
Tatoeba · shekitten · CC0
“I pulled the fire alarm.”
Tatoeba · ddnktr · CC0

Word history

From Latin "arma" (arms, weapons).

Where this comes from

This definition is adapted from “alarm” on Wiktionary, by its contributors; example sentences are from Tatoeba, credited to their authors above, published under CC BY-SA 4.0. This page is published under the same licence.