Definition of "alarm" in English

noun

1. A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.

2. Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.

3. A device intended to warn or give notice of approaching danger.

   • The fire alarm is located high on the wall to prevent tampering.

4. A sudden attack; a disturbance.

5. Sudden surprise with fear or terror excited by apprehension of danger; in the military use, commonly, sudden apprehension of being attacked by surprise.

6. A mechanical device for awaking people, or rousing their attention.

   • The clock radio is a friendlier version of the cold alarm by the bedside.

7. An instance of an alarm ringing, beeping or clanging, to give a noise signal at a certain time.

   • You should set the alarm on your watch to go off at seven o'clock.

verb

1. (transitive) To call to arms for defense.

2. (transitive) 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.
   • Her illness started to alarm the doctors, who ordered more tests.

3. (transitive, of a device) 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.

4. (transitive) To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.

   • The loud bang in the hallway seemed to alarm everyone in the building.

5. (transitive) To keep in excitement; to disturb.