alarm
7 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
alarms
plural
alarms
Britannica Dictionary definition of ALARM
1
[count]
a
:
a device that makes a loud sound as a warning or signal
—
see also burglar alarm, false alarm, fire alarm, smoke alarm
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The alarm went off when he opened the door.
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a car alarm
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The whole town heard the alarm.
◊ In figurative usage, when alarm bells are ringing people are worried about a possible problem or danger.
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His long absence from school set (the) alarm bells ringing and we finally called the police.
2
[noncount]
:
a feeling of fear caused by a sudden sense of danger
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The rumors caused widespread alarm and concern.
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His parents have expressed alarm about/for his safety.
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The new developments are being viewed with alarm.
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She looked around in alarm when she heard the noise.
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There's no cause for alarm. [=there is no reason to be worried or afraid]
3
[count]
:
a warning of danger
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The dog's barking gave the alarm and the intruders were caught.
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A passerby saw the intruders and raised the alarm.
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They have ignored repeated alarms about the dangers of smoking.
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Economists have raised/sounded the alarm [=have warned people] about a possible recession.
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Economists have been raising/sounding alarms about a possible recession.
2
alarm
/əˈlɑɚm/
verb
alarms;
alarmed;
alarming
2
alarm
/əˈlɑɚm/
verb
alarms;
alarmed;
alarming
Britannica Dictionary definition of ALARM
[+ object]
:
to cause (someone) to feel a sense of danger
:
to worry or frighten (someone)
-
I didn't mean to alarm you.
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The rapid spread of the disease has alarmed many people.
— alarmed
adjective [more alarmed; most alarmed]-
I was alarmed to see how sick he is.
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Many people are alarmed about/at/by the rapid spread of the disease.
— alarming
adjective [more alarming; most alarming]-
an alarming number of problems
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It is alarming to see how quickly the disease is spreading.
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The team lost with alarming frequency.
