alarm

noun

\ ə-ˈlärm

variants: or less commonly alarum \ ə-ˈlär-əm also -ˈler-

; -ˈla-rəm \

Definition of alarm

(Entry 1 of 2)

1 usually alarum, archaic : a call to arms … the angry trumpet sounds alarum …— William Shakespeare

2 : a signal (such as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts also : a device that signals set the alarm to wake me at seven

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

4 : a warning notice