false alarm

false alarm

noun

Definition of FALSE ALARM

1

: an alarm (as a fire or burglar alarm) that is set off needlessly

2

: one causing alarm or excitement that proves to be unfounded

Examples of FALSE ALARM

1. A false alarm drew firefighters to the school.
2. The report that the factory would be closing was a false alarm.
3. He thought he might be having a heart attack, but his chest pains were just a false alarm.

First Known Use of FALSE ALARM

1578

Rhymes with FALSE ALARM

arm in arm, funny farm, overarm, rocker arm, still alarm, twist one's arm, underarm