alarm
noun
fear/worry
ADJ. considerable, great | growing | sudden | public There is growing public alarm at this increase in crime.| unnecessary
VERB + ALARM cause, create, provoke The head teacher's policies have provoked alarm among parents.| express, register Many people have expressed alarm at the plans. His face registered no alarm at all when I told him the news.
PREP. in ~ He shouted out in alarm.| to sb's ~ To her parents' alarm, she announced that she intended to travel the world.| with ~ The news has been greeted with alarm.| ~ about/at/over There has been considerable alarm about the new proposals.
PHRASES alarm and despondency (often humorous) He loves spreading alarm and despondency.| cause for alarm I see no cause for alarm, as she often arrives late.
warning of danger
ADJ. false The fire service was called out, but it was a false alarm.
VERB + ALARM give, raise, sound The guard raised the alarm when he discovered that six prisoners had escaped.
ALARM + NOUN call Many birds give alarm calls to warn of danger.
device
ADJ. fire, smoke | burglar, intruder, security | car | personal, rape Lizzie was carrying a rape alarm but it was out of reach in her handbag.| radio
VERB + ALARM set I set my alarm for 6.30.| activate, set off, trigger Unfortunately any little noise can set off the alarm.| switch off, turn off | be fitted with The fire brigade recommends that every house is fitted with a smoke alarm. | fit, install | test
ALARM + VERB go off, ring, sound The alarm went off at 7 o'clock. Suddenly the alarm sounded and they all had to leave the building.
ALARM + NOUN bell, clock, signal, system | call Book an alarm call if you need to make an early start.
