alarm
noun (countable)
UK/əˈlɑːm/US/əˈlɑːrm/
a feeling of fear or anxiety caused by the awareness of danger or a sudden sense of distress
Example Sentences
A sudden loud noise caused alarm among the travelers waiting at the station.
He felt a rush of alarm when he couldn’t find his passport in his bag.
The report about the rising crime rate sparked alarm in the community.
Her alarm grew when she noticed strange footprints outside her window at night.
To his alarm, the boat started taking on water, prompting him to call for help immediately.
When the company announced layoffs, it created a sense of alarm among employees, many of whom began updating their résumés and networking aggressively.
Political instability in the region has led to alarm among neighboring countries, urging them to strengthen border security and humanitarian resources in case of an influx of refugees or further conflict escalation.
Despite initial alarm over the unexpected power outage, the local authorities quickly reassured residents that the issue would be resolved within a few hours, encouraging them to stay calm and keep emergency kits ready.
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verb (transitive)
UK/əˈlɑːm/US/əˈlɑːrm/
to cause someone to feel fear, anxiety, or worry; to disturb or frighten
Example Sentences
The sudden drop in share prices alarmed investors around the globe.
News of the approaching storm alarmed coastal residents, prompting them to evacuate.
His erratic driving behavior alarmed other motorists on the highway.
Don’t alarm everyone by spreading rumors; try to confirm the facts first.
The idea of losing contact with loved ones for an extended period alarmed her deeply, pushing her to create a detailed communication plan.
His unusual silence began to alarm friends, who noticed he was withdrawing from social activities and neglecting responsibilities at work.
Rising energy costs alarm consumers and policymakers alike, motivating them to seek sustainable alternatives and efficient technologies.
Researchers warn that the rapid decline in certain wildlife populations should alarm environmental agencies, given the critical role these species play in maintaining ecological balance.
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How to Use
A warning signal or sudden fear prompting urgent attention or action.Use “alarm” to describe both the device and the sense of sudden concern. As a noun, it refers to a warning signal—such as a fire alarm or a clock alarm—that alerts people to danger or a scheduled time. In a figurative or emotional sense, “alarm” (as a noun) also indicates a state of heightened worry or shock, prompting urgent action. As a verb, “to alarm” means to cause someone to feel frightened or disturbed. In everyday situations, you might say, “The smoke alarm went off,” implying a device’s loud warning about potential fire hazards. Alternatively, “Her strange behavior alarmed me,” underscores how someone’s actions triggered worry or apprehension. In professional or formal contexts, “alarm” underscores the importance of rapid response—like a security alarm requiring immediate investigation, or an alarm bell in a factory indicating a system malfunction. You might set multiple alarms to wake up on time or to remember important tasks during a busy day. When talking about emotional states, referencing alarm indicates that an event or piece of news has triggered heightened anxiety or fear. Pair it with clear context—like the reason for being alarmed or the device that’s blaring—to ensure your audience understands precisely whether you mean a physical alert tool or a strong sense of distress. Ultimately, “alarm” conveys the urgency and seriousness of a situation, urging swift recognition or reaction.
Alternatives
Depending on context, a few synonyms or related expressions can capture the sense of immediate warning or heightened concern. When referring to a physical device, words like “alert,” “siren,” or “warning system” may suffice. “Alert” is broad; it can function as either a noun or a verb, covering both the device or notification and the action of informing. “Siren” specifically describes a loud alarm signal, often used in emergencies or disaster scenarios. When describing the feeling of shock or fear, “panic,” “dismay,” or “apprehension” may be more fitting. “Panic” indicates a sudden, intense rush of fear that clouds judgment, whereas “dismay” leans more toward disheartened surprise. “Apprehension” suggests uneasy expectation of possible trouble. When focusing on cautionary notifications—like push notifications for urgent matters—the term “alert” might best fit. Selecting the right alternative depends on whether you’re highlighting the physical alarm mechanism, the emotional response, or the sense of impending danger that compels swift action. Tailoring synonyms to nuance—like “panic” for extreme emotional reaction or “warning system” for a technical alert—helps you convey exactly the intensity and context of what’s happening.
Writing
In written work, “alarm” can help you convey critical tension or an urgent call to action. In a news article, referencing how a community reacted with alarm to a new development highlights public fear or worry—perhaps prompting local governance to respond. If you’re describing a scene in a novel, an alarm might blare unexpectedly, plunging characters into immediate crisis. Keep details clear: mention the type of alarm—fire alarm, car alarm, security alarm—or the root of alarmed feelings—threatening news, a suspicious event, or a frightening discovery. For business or academic writing, you might use “alarm” in an analytical sense—“Rising sea levels alarm coastal residents,” or “Experts express alarm at the data,” underscoring serious concerns that need attention. By pairing “alarm” with data, quotes, or vivid description, you create a clear impression of heightened stakes. Whether it’s the beep of a smoke detector or a wave of panic over a national crisis, describing alarm in detail helps your readers grasp both the nature of the danger and the intensity of the emotion. Try varying your language—sometimes using “raise alarm,” “set off alarm bells,” or “trigger alarm”—to keep your writing from sounding repetitive. Ensure you link the alarm to the catalyst—like a suspicious noise or alarming statistics—so readers see cause and effect, reinforcing the need for immediate recognition or resolution. Using “alarm” thoughtfully captures the pivotal moment when people shift from calm to urgent action, deepening the reader’s immersion in the situation or emotion you’re depicting.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “alarm” might come up when you talk about your morning routine or an unsettling event that jolted you. If your phone alarm didn’t go off, for instance, you might say, “I overslept because my alarm failed,” focusing on a mundane but important scenario. Casual slang might include “alarm bells went off in my head,” denoting sudden suspicion or apprehension about a suspicious situation. When chatting with friends, you could mention being alarmed at something shocking you read online—“I was alarmed by those test results.” Often, “alarm” in casual contexts doesn’t mean full-blown panic but rather a sense of raised concern—akin to saying “That worried me,” or “That caught my attention in a bad way.” If you’re referencing a physical device, such as a security system or baby monitor, you might simply say, “We set the alarm before leaving the house,” showing routine caution. While “alarm” can seem somewhat formal, its everyday uses—morning alarms, phone notifications, or mild shock—are common enough that most people won’t think it unusual or stiff in conversation. By adding quick details—like the reason for your alarm—you help others grasp whether you’re describing a trivial annoyance or a real fright.
Etymology
The word “alarm” has roots in the Old Italian phrase “all’arme!”—literally meaning “to arms!”—used as a military call to action. Over time, this imperative to pick up weapons in defense evolved into a general cry signaling immediate danger. The term soon spread through French into English, retaining that sense of urgent warning and prompting people to prepare themselves. In earlier centuries, “alarm” referred mostly to warnings of attack or threats to public safety. As technology advanced, bells, sirens, and mechanical devices came to be called alarms, all serving the same fundamental function: to rapidly alert people about emergencies. This concept eventually carried over to personal or emotional states, labeling the sudden rush of fear or shock felt when confronted by a perceived threat. Today, “alarm” remains a succinct, powerful word bridging both physical mechanisms—like devices that ring or beep—and psychological responses—like the jolt of concern that spurs defensive or corrective action. Its martial heritage underscores that sense of mobilization, whether you’re rallying troops, alerting a household, or sparking public awareness to address pressing issues.