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uh-LAHM/əˈlɑːm/

Alarm is a warning sound or device: a fire alarm, a burglar alarm, an alarm clock. Raise the alarm means warn people of danger. It can also mean sudden fear: cause alarm, there is no cause for alarm. Warning is the general idea; panic is much stronger emotion. Go off is the verb for the sound: the alarm went off.

Meaning

A warning sound or device, or a sudden feeling of fear.

Examples

• “The fire alarm went off at six.”
• “Set your alarm for six tomorrow.”
• “The report caused unnecessary alarm among staff.”

Good to know

fire / burglar / alarm clock. raise the alarm. cause alarm. The sound: go off.

Near in meaning

warning

Topics

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