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a sudden feeling of fear or anxiety
She felt a sudden alarm when she heard a loud noise outside.
She experienced a sudden fear or anxiety when she heard a loud noise outside.
Often used to describe a sudden emotional reaction.
a device or system that produces a loud noise to warn of danger
The security alarm was triggered by an intruder.
The security system activated a loud noise to alert people of an intruder.
Common in homes, vehicles, and public buildings.
to alert someone to a potential danger or problem
The doctor alarmed the patient about the test results.
The doctor warned the patient about concerning test results.
Used to describe the act of warning someone.
'Alarm' can refer to both a physical device and an emotional state. Pay attention to the context to determine the correct meaning.
When using 'alarm' as a verb, it is often followed by 'about' or 'at' to specify the cause of the alarm.
From Middle English 'alarm', from Old French 'alarme', from Italian 'all'arme' (to arms), from 'a' (to) + 'larme' (alarm).
As a verb, 'alarm' can be followed by 'about' or 'at' to specify the cause of the fear or warning.