What does "alarm" mean?
A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
Alarm
/əˈlɑːm/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
- Grammar: alarm is listed as noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: alert, warning device, abject fear, admonishment.
- Useful contrasts: calm classroom, reassuring, whew.
- Usage evidence: In case you sleep, set the alarm.
How to use "alarm"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "alarm" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "alarm" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "alarm" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "alarm" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "alarm" is acting as noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "alert" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "alarm", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy. countable, uncountable
"Arming to answer in a night alarm."
- 2 a device that signals the occurrence of some undesirable event wordnet
- 3 Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger. countable, uncountable
"Sound an alarm in my holy mountain."
- 4 a clock that wakes a sleeper at some preset time wordnet
- 5 A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger. countable, uncountable
"The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering."
Show 6 more definitions
- 6 an automatic signal (usually a sound) warning of danger wordnet
- 7 A sudden attack; a disturbance. countable, uncountable
"Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms Be ready to direct these home alarms."
- 8 fear resulting from the awareness of danger wordnet
- 9 Sudden surprise with fear or terror excited by apprehension of danger; in the military use, commonly, sudden apprehension of being attacked by surprise. countable, uncountable
"Alarm and resentment spread through the camp."
- 10 A mechanical device for awaking people, or rousing their attention. countable, uncountable
"The clock radio is a friendlier version of the cold alarm by the bedside."
- 11 An instance of an alarm ringing, beeping or clanging, to give a noise signal at a certain time. countable, uncountable
"You should set the alarm on your watch to go off at seven o'clock."
Verb
- 1 To call to arms for defense. transitive
- 2 warn or arouse to a sense of danger or call to a state of preparedness wordnet
- 3 To give (someone) notice of approaching danger or necessary action; to rouse to vigilance; to put on the alert. transitive
"The sudden drop in temperature should alarm you into taking precautions."
- 4 fill with apprehension or alarm; cause to be unpleasantly surprised wordnet
- 5 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. transitive
"The tower cab supervisor and various pilots stated that the LLWAS system frequently alarms because of the thunderstorm activity present, and that airspeed losses are common as a result of convective wind shear."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear. transitive
"The loud bang in the hallway seemed to alarm everyone in the building."
- 7 To keep in excitement; to disturb. transitive
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"In case you sleep, set the alarm."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "alarm"?
Common synonyms include: alert, warning device, abject fear, admonishment, admonition, affray.
How do you use "alarm" in a sentence?
In case you sleep, set the alarm.
How do you pronounce "alarm"?
Pronounced /əˈlɑːm/.
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”).