# alarm

/əˈɫɑɹm/ (US) · /ɐlˈɑːm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alarm
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. warning device

noun · CEFR B1

a machine or device that makes a loud noise to warn you about danger, like a fire or a thief.

For teachers: a mechanical or electronic device designed to emit a signal as a warning of danger or unauthorized intrusion.

- The smoke alarm started ringing because I burnt the toast.
- The building's security alarm was triggered accidentally when a staff member entered the restricted zone without deactivating the sensors.

### 2. clock for waking up

noun · CEFR A2

a clock or phone app that makes a sound to wake you up at a specific time.

For teachers: a device or software function used to rouse a person from sleep at a predetermined time.

- I set my alarm for seven o'clock so I wouldn't be late for work.
- He found it difficult to adjust to the early shift, often sleeping through his alarm despite the high volume of the buzzer.

### 3. feeling of fear

noun · CEFR B2

a sudden feeling of fear or worry that something dangerous is happening.

For teachers: a state of sudden anxiety or fear resulting from the realization of danger.

- The news of the storm caused great alarm among the people living near the coast.
- The sudden drop in the company's share price caused considerable alarm among the board of directors, leading to an emergency meeting.

### 4. to worry someone

verb · CEFR B1

to make someone feel worried or afraid.

For teachers: to cause someone to feel a sudden sense of danger or anxiety. Transitive, always requiring an object.

- I don't want to alarm you, but I think I smell gas in the kitchen.
- The doctor was careful not to alarm the patient while explaining the potential risks associated with the upcoming surgery.

## Examples

- The fire alarm rings during the drill.
- The security guard raised the alarm after noticing that the back door of the warehouse was unlocked.
- The sudden drop in the company's stock price caused considerable alarm among the board members, who immediately called for an emergency meeting to discuss their strategy.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.