alarm
A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
Noun 4 meanings
A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
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.”
A sudden attack; a disturbance.
Verb 4 meanings
To call to arms for defense.
To give (someone) notice of approaching danger or necessary action; to rouse to vigilance; to put on the alert.
“The sudden drop in temperature should alarm you into taking precautions.”
To produce a warning of approaching danger or necessary action; to emit a signal intended to rouse a recipient to vigilance or put them on the alert.
To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.
“The loud bang in the hallway seemed to alarm everyone in the building.”
Etymology
From Middle English alarme, alarom, borrowed from Middle French alarme, itself from Old Italian all'arme! (“to arms!, to the weapons!”), ultimately from Latin arma (“arms, weapons”).
ALARM at a glance
ALARM has 5 letters and scores 7 points in Scrabble (A 1 + L 1 + A 1 + R 1 + M 3) and 9 in Words With Friends, before board bonuses. It ranks #4,344 by how often it appears in everyday English. It is valid in ENABLE, NWL2023, Collins/SOWPODS.
Rhymes with alarm
All rhymesOne letter away
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