adjective

alarming

worrying, disturbing, frightening

The news was quite alarming.

The news was quite alarming.

There has been an alarming rise in crime.

There has been an alarming rise in crime.

((alarming)) + noun An alarming trend has emerged.

sth. is ((alarming)) The situation is alarming.

Synonyms: worrying, disturbing; Antonyms: reassuring, comforting

From 'alarm' (from Old Italian 'all'arme', meaning 'to arms!') plus the adjective-forming suffix '-ing'.

Imagine a fire 'alarm' suddenly blaring. That sudden, loud noise is 'alarming'.

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