Added 9 October 2026
alarm
/əˈlɑːm/ noun
In Latin: pavor Wiktionary
noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about alarm at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
- Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
-
A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger.
The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.
verb
- To call to arms for defense.
-
To give (someone) notice of approaching danger or necessary action; to rouse to vigilance; to put on the alert.
The sudden drop in temperature should alarm you into taking precautions.
- 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.
Origin
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”).
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)