alarm

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A device that makes a loud sound to warn of danger.

   The fire alarm went off in the middle of the night.

2. 2
   noun

   A clock or device that wakes you up or reminds you at a set time.

   I set my alarm for six in the morning.

3. 3
   noun

   A sudden feeling of fear or worry caused by danger.

   There is no cause for alarm.

4. 4
   verb

   To make someone feel frightened or worried.

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

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”).

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