tocsin

toc·sin

noun \ˈtäk-sən\

Definition of TOCSIN

1

: an alarm bell or the ringing of it

2

: a warning signal

Examples of TOCSIN

1. <the tocsin rang out, warning us of the approaching tornado>
2. <noted that a sudden drop in a student's grades may be a tocsin of a serious personal problem>

Origin of TOCSIN

Middle French toquassen, from Old Occitan tocasenh, from tocar to touch, ring a bell (from Vulgar Latin *toccare) + senh sign, bell, from Medieval Latin & Latin signum; Medieval Latin, bell, from Late Latin, ringing of a bell, from Latin, mark, sign — more at touch, sign

First Known Use: 1586

Related to TOCSIN

Synonyms: flag, signal

Related Words: red light; knell

Near Antonyms: all clear

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Rhymes with TOCSIN

coxswain, toxin