noun
alarm
A warning or reminder signal, or the device that produces it.
The smoke alarm sounds above the scorched pan.
Etymology
Italian all’arme was a call to take up weapons. The urgent warning became a name for warning signals generally and then for devices that give warnings or reminders.
In context
fear is a natural emotion a response born out of past experiences it's our internal alarm system warning us of danger
More examples
- She set an alarm for six o'clock.
- The door alarm woke the guard.
- Several alarms sounded during the test.
Forms
alarm · alarms
Similar words
- alert
- A warning intended to draw attention.
- reminder
- Prompts memory without necessarily warning of danger.