alarm

/ə-ˈlärm/

Middle English alarme, alarom, from Middle French alarme, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms

noun

  1. a call to arms

  2. a signal (such as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts; also : a device that signals

  3. sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger

… the angry trumpet sounds alarum …

fear dread fright alarm panic terror trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger. fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage. dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

verb

  1. to strike with fear

  2. disturb, excite

  3. to give warning to

noun

  1. a clock that can be set to sound an alarm at a desired time