alarm · noun /əˈlɑrm/Full view
alarm (WARNING)
B1 C a loud noise or flashing light that warns you of danger
Dictionary examples:

a burglar/car/fire/smoke alarm

What set off the 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 a device in a watch, cell 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 - everything is fine.

Learner example:

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

alarm · verb T /əˈlɑrm/
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)

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