Main Entry: ¹alarm

Pronunciation: \ə-ˈlärm\

Variant(s): also ala·rum \ə-ˈlär-əm also -ˈler-; -ˈla-rəm\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English alarme, alarom, from Middle French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms

Date: 14th century

1 usually alarum archaic : a call to arms <the angry trumpet sounds alarum — Shakespeare>
2 : a signal (as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts; also : a device that signals <set the alarm to wake me at seven>
3 : sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger
4 : a warning notice

synonyms see fear