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wake-up call

noun

Definition of wake-up call

1 :something (such as a telephone call from a hotel employee to a guest) that serves to wake a sleeper
2 :something that serves to alert a person to a problem, danger, or need
  • a wake-up call to parents

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First Known Use of wake-up call

1974

wake-up call Synonyms

Synonyms
caution, red flag, red light, tip-off, tocsin, wake-up call
Related Words
omen, portent, premonition, presage; notice, notification; buoy, indicator, knell, sign, signal; foretaste, foretoken; announcement, declaration
Near Antonyms
all clear

WAKE-UP CALL Defined for English Language Learners

wake-up call

noun

Definition of wake-up call for English Language Learners

  • : a telephone call that a hotel makes to your room to wake you up

  • : something that makes you fully understand a problem, danger, or need

Learn More about wake-up call

  1. See words that rhyme with wake-up call Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for wake-up call Britannica English: Translation of wake-up call for Arabic speakers

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