ALARM

I. noun also alarum Etymology: Middle English ~e, alarom, from Middle French ~e, from Old Italian all'arme, literally, to the arms Date: 14th century a call to arms , a signal (as a loud noise or flashing light) that warns or alerts, sudden sharp apprehension and fear resulting from the perception of imminent danger, a warning notice, see: fear II. transitive verb also alarum Date: 1651 disturb , excite , to give warning to, to strike with fear, to equip with an ~, ~ingly adverb