alarmism

1 of 3

noun (1)

alarm·​ism ə-ˈlär-ˌmi-zəm 

: the often unwarranted exciting of fears or warning of danger

alarmist

ə-ˈlär-mist 

noun or adjective

alarmist

2 of 3

noun (2)

alarm·​ist ə-ˈlär-mist 

plural -s

: one inclined to raise or excite alarms especially needlessly

alarmist

3 of 3

adjective

alarm·​ist ə-ˈlär-mist 

: spreading unnecessary fear about something that is not truly dangerous : needlessly raising or exciting alarms

I have to admit that when I first saw the television commercial for Guard Dog …, it seemed a little alarmist to me. The commercial makes it sound as if anyone without this program is leaving the door wide open to a privacy breach.

—Kim Komando, Popular Mechanics, March 1999

trying to warn people without being alarmist

Examples of alarmism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Practical stewardship, not climate alarmism, is the right path. — Kaitlyn Schallhorn, Oc Register, 5 May 2026

Will Hild, the executive director of Consumers’ Research, said some of Minnesota’s largest hospital chains generating revenue from the 340B program are, in turn, pouring resources into diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, climate alarmism, and gender-transition treatments for minors. — Mia Cathell, The Washington Examiner, 30 Apr. 2026

Small sample alarmism or real issues? — Cody Stavenhagen, New York Times, 10 Apr. 2026

The alarmism is difficult to take seriously. — John Tamny, Forbes.com, 29 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Noun (2)

alarm entry 1 + -ist

First Known Use

Noun (1)

1842, in the meaning defined above

Noun (2)

1792, in the meaning defined above

Adjective

1794, in the meaning defined above