alarm
UK: əˈlɑːm | US: əˈlɑːrm
n. a sudden fear or distressing suspense caused by awareness of danger
n. a warning of approaching danger
vt. to strike with fear or distress
vt. to equip with an alarm device
The word "alarm" originated from the Old Italian phrase "all'arme!" (literally "to arms!"), a battle cry urging soldiers to prepare for combat. It entered Middle English via Old French "alarme," retaining its sense of a warning call. Over time, it broadened to encompass any sudden alert or fear-inducing signal, including modern devices like alarms. The morphemes reflect its martial roots—linking urgency ("to") with preparedness ("arms").
The fire alarm startled everyone in the building.
She set her alarm for 6 AM to catch the early flight.
The news of the storm alarmed the coastal residents.
His sudden shout was a false alarm—there was no danger.
The security system includes motion sensors and loud alarms.