noun

alarm

warning signal, alarm clock, fear, anxiety

The fire alarm went off.

The fire alarm went off.

I set my alarm for 7 am.

I set my alarm for 7 am.

She looked at him in alarm.

She looked at him in alarm.

((an alarm clock)) a clock that wakes you up I set my alarm for 7 am.

((a fire/burglar alarm)) a device that warns of danger The fire alarm went off.

((in alarm)) with a feeling of fear She looked at him in alarm.

Synonyms: (device) siren, bell, signal; (feeling) fear, anxiety, panic; Antonyms: (feeling) calm, security

From Old Italian 'all'arme', meaning 'to the arms!', which was a call to take up weapons.

Imagine a soldier shouting 'All arms!', which sounds like 'alarm'. This call creates a sense of danger and urgency.

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