alarm

A device or signal that gets your attention, often to wake you at a set time.

• I set an alarm for seven.
• My alarm woke me up early.
• Did you hear your alarm this morning?

Similar words: alert

Common phrases: set an alarm, alarm clock, morning alarm

A device that makes a sound or gives another warning when there is danger.

• Every room has a smoke alarm.
• We installed an alarm after the burglary.
• Does this alarm detect both smoke and heat?

Similar words: warning device

Common phrases: fire alarm, smoke alarm, burglar alarm

A sudden feeling of fear or worry because something seems dangerous or wrong.

• She looked at him in alarm.
• The news caused alarm among parents.
• We watched with growing alarm as the water rose.

Similar words: fear, anxiety, concern

Opposites: calm

Common phrases: with alarm, cause alarm, growing alarm

An occasion when a device rings or beeps to warn people or get their attention.

• An alarm sounded in the hallway.
• The alarm sent everyone outside.
• Three alarms interrupted our lesson today.

Similar words: alert, warning signal

Common phrases: false alarm, sound the alarm, hear an alarm

To make someone suddenly feel worried or afraid.

• The loud noise alarmed me.
• His sudden weight loss alarmed his family.
• I do not want to alarm you, but the door is open.

How to use it: be alarmed by/at something (We were alarmed by the sudden change in her voice.)

Similar words: worry, frighten, scare

Opposites: reassure

Common phrases: alarm someone, alarm the public, alarm your family, alarm the children

To make someone aware of danger or the need to act.

• The signal alarmed the guards.
• These warning signs should alarm us into action.
• A sharp cry alarmed the villagers to the approaching danger.

How to use it: alarm someone into doing something (The smoke alarmed him into checking the kitchen.)

Similar words: alert, warn

Common phrases: alarm the guards, alarm someone into action, alarm the authorities