n. & v.
n. 1 a warning of danger etc. (gave the alarm). 2 a a warning sound or device (the burglar alarm was set off accidentally). b = alarm clock. 3 frightened expectation of danger or difficulty (were filled with alarm).
v.tr. 1 frighten or disturb. 2 arouse to a sense of danger. alarm clock a clock with a device that can be made to sound at the time set in advance.
[ ME f. OF alarme f. It. allarme f. all' arme! to arms ]