alarm

a|larm¹ S2 [əˈla:m US əˈla:rm] n

[Date: 1500-1600; : French; Origin: alarme, from Old Italian all' arme 'to the weapon']

1.)

a piece of equipment that makes a loud noise to warn you of danger

a burglar/fire/smoke alarm

▪ I forgot to set the burglar alarm.

▪ He set off the alarm (=made it start ringing) by accident.

▪ The fire alarm's going off (=it is ringing) .

▪ a sophisticated alarm system

2.) [U]

a feeling of fear or worry because something bad or dangerous might happen

alarm at

▪ There is growing alarm at the increase in crime.

in alarm

▪ She looked up in alarm.

▪ Scientists have said there is no cause for alarm.

3.)

an alarm clock

▪ I've set the alarm for 7 o'clock.

▪ I was still asleep when the alarm went off.

4.) raise/sound the alarm

especially BrE to warn people that something bad is happening

▪ Neighbours raised the alarm when they smelled smoke.

5.) alarm bells ring

if alarm bells ring, you feel worried that something bad may be happening

▪ Alarm bells started to ring when he failed to return home.

→↑false alarm

alarm ²

alarm² v [T]

to make someone feel worried or frightened

▪ I don't want to alarm you, but I can't find the key.