alarms

Noun

alarm (countable and uncountable, plural alarms)

1. (countable) A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
   • Arming to answer in a night alarm.c. 1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Troylus and Cressida”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and...
2. (countable) Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
   • Sound an alarm in my holy mountain.1611, The Holy Bible, […] (King James Version), London: […] Robert Barker, […], →OCLC, Joel 2:1
3. (countable) A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger.
   • The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.
4. (countable) A sudden attack; a disturbance.
   • Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms
     Be ready to direct these home alarms.1595 December 9 (first known performance), William Shakespeare, “The Life and Death of King Richard the Second”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies: Published According to...
5. (countable) Sudden surprise with fear or terror caused by the apprehension of danger; a feeling of heightened alertness to risk.
   • His actions caused alarm among all the other people in the store, who hurried to leave.
6. (countable) A mechanical device for awaking people or rousing their attention.
   • The clock radio is a friendlier version of the cold alarm by the bedside.

See all 12 meanings of alarm