alarming
Also found in: Thesaurus, Medical, Idioms, Encyclopedia.
a·larm
(ə-lärm′)n.
1. Sudden fear or concern caused by the realization of danger or an impending setback. See Synonyms at fear.
2. A warning of existing or approaching danger: The committee's report issued an alarm about the dangerous condition of the town's buildings.
3. A device that is used to warn of danger by means of a sound or signal: a fire alarm.
4. The sounding mechanism of an alarm clock: The alarm went off at 6:30.
5. A call to arms.
tr.v. a·larmed, a·larm·ing, a·larms
1. To fill with alarm or anxious concern. See Synonyms at frighten.
2. To give warning to: "The soldiers ... killed every dog within three miles to prevent a bark that would alarm the enemy" (William Least Heat-Moon).
3. To equip with or protect by an alarm: The dormitory doors are alarmed from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am.
[Middle English, from Old French alarme, from Old Italian allarme, from all'arme, to arms : alla, to the (from Latin ad illa : ad, to; see ad- + illa, neuter pl. of ille, that, the; see al- in Indo-European roots) + arme, arms (from Latin arma; see ar- in Indo-European roots).]
a·larm′ing·ly adv.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
a•larm•ing
(əˈlɑr mɪŋ)adj.
causing fear, distress, or agitation; frightening; disturbing.
[1670–80]
a•larm′ing•ly, adv.
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.
ThesaurusAntonymsRelated WordsSynonymsLegend:
Switch to new thesaurus
Adj. | 1. | alarming - frightening because of an awareness of danger unalarming - not alarming; assuaging alarm |
Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.
alarming
adjective frightening, shocking, scaring, disturbing, distressing, terrifying, appalling, startling, dreadful, horrifying, menacing, intimidating, dismaying, scary (informal), fearful, daunting, fearsome, unnerving, hair-raising, bloodcurdling The disease has spread at an alarming rate.
Collins Thesaurus of the English Language – Complete and Unabridged 2nd Edition. 2002 © HarperCollins Publishers 1995, 2002
TranslationsSelect a language:
Spanish / Español
Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005
alarm
(əˈlaːm) noun2. something that gives warning of danger, attracts attention etc. Sound the alarm!; a fire-alarm; (also adjective) an alarm clock.alarma
verbaˈlarming adjective disturbing or causing fear. alarming news.alarmante
aˈlarmingly adverbalarmantemente, de forma alarmante
Kernerman English Multilingual Dictionary © 2006-2013 K Dictionaries Ltd.
alarming
→ alarmanteMultilingual Translator © HarperCollins Publishers 2009
alarming
a. alarmante, inquietante, desesperante; sorprendente.
English-Spanish Medical Dictionary © Farlex 2012