B1noun1K

Alarm

UK /["/əˈlɑːm/"]/US /["/əˈlɑːrm/"]/

Definition

a loud noise or a signal that warns people of danger or of a problem

In simple words: A loud noise to wake you up or warn you.

Examples

I set my alarm for 6 AM to wake up early for my workout.
The alarm went off in the middle of the night, waking everyone up.
His sudden scream was an alarm that something was wrong.
The fire alarm has been tested to ensure it works properly.
She felt a sense of alarm when she realized her wallet was missing.

Usage notes

Use 'alarm' when referring to a sound that alerts someone. It's commonly used for morning wake-ups or emergency situations. Avoid using 'alarm' in very casual contexts unless it refers to a clock.

Grammar pattern

alarm + object

Memory hint

Think of 'a-larm' — imagine a loud alarm clock waking you up suddenly.

Collocations

false
give
raise
sound
call
fire
smoke
burglar
set
activate
set off
go off
ring
sound
bell
clock
system
considerable
great
growing
cause
create
provoke
in alarm
to somebody’s alarm
with alarm
cause for alarm

Synonyms

sirens
bell
alert
warning
signal

Antonyms

calm
peace

Common mistakes

Using 'alarmed' incorrectly as a noun instead of the sound.
Confusing 'alarm' with 'alert' in emergency contexts.
'Alarm' can be thought of as both a sound and a noun, varying its usage.