alarm

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to warn or arouse to a sense of danger, or to call to a state of preparedness

   The empty house alarmed me.

2. 2
   verb

   to fill with apprehension or alarm

   I don't mean to alarm you, but your car is on fire.

3. 3
   noun

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

   Arming to answer in a night alarm.

4. 4
   noun

   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.

5. 5
   noun

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

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

6. 6
   noun

   A sudden attack; a disturbance.

   Lord Marshal, command our officers-at-arms Be ready to direct these home alarms.

7. 7
   noun

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

   Alarm and resentment spread through the camp.

8. 8
   noun

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

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

Etymology

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”).