Language Research

alarm · noun

/əˈlɑːm/Full view

alarm (WARNING)

B1 C a loud noise that warns you of danger

Dictionary examples:

a burglar/car/fire/smoke alarm

to set off an alarm

Learner example:

It turned out that the fire alarm had gone off and they had to evacuate the building. (First Certificate in English; B2; Greek)

alarm (WAKING)

B1 C a clock or device in a watch, mobile phone, etc. that makes a noise to wake you

Dictionary example:

The alarm went off at 5.30 and she got up immediately.

Learner example:

Suddenly the alarm started to ring and I woke up to go to school. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

alarm (WORRY)

C2 U a sudden feeling of fear or worry that something bad might happen

Dictionary example:

There's no need for alarm - it is completely safe.

Learner example:

Fortunately, her soothing voice damped down any sense of alarm. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Spanish)

raise the alarm

C2 to warn someone of a dangerous situation

Dictionary examples:

Her parents raised the alarm when she failed to return home.

A local doctor was the first to raise the alarm about this latest virus.

Learner example:

For them, raising the alarm because of five percent unemployment is an example of so-called 'loony-left thinking'. (Certificate of Proficiency in English; C2; Polish)

alarm · verb T

/əˈlɑːm/

alarm

C1 to make someone worried or frightened

Dictionary example:

I don't want to alarm you but he really should be here by now.

Learner example:

What alarmed us the most was the daring use of speculation by the author. (Certificate in Advanced English; C1; Spanish)