# alarmed

/əˈɫɑɹmd/ (US) · /ɐlˈɑːmd/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/alarmed
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. worried or frightened

adjective · CEFR B1

feeling worried, anxious, or scared because of something unexpected or dangerous.

For teachers: experiencing a sudden sense of fear, anxiety, or apprehension in response to a perceived threat or unexpected event.

- Local residents were alarmed by the news of the chemical spill in the river.
- The medical staff grew increasingly alarmed as the patient's vital signs continued to fluctuate despite the administration of emergency treatment.

Usage: Often followed by the prepositions 'by' or 'at'.

### 2. fitted with a security system

adjective · CEFR B2

having an alarm system installed to protect a building or vehicle.

For teachers: equipped with an electronic security system or warning device; typically used in the context of property protection.

- You should make sure the house is alarmed before you go on holiday.
- The facility is fully alarmed and monitored by a private security firm twenty-four hours a day.

Usage: Usually functions as a predicative adjective after a verb like 'is' or 'remains'.

Teaching tip: This sense is more common in British English than American English, where speakers might prefer 'has an alarm'.

## Examples

- She was alarmed by the loud noise outside.
- Local residents grew increasingly alarmed as the water levels in the river continued to rise throughout the night.
- The public was understandably alarmed by the sudden fluctuations in the stock market, leading to widespread calls for more transparent financial regulations.

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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.