alarums and excursions origin

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meaning and origin of the phrase ‘alarums and excursions’

The phrase alarums and excursions , also alarms and excursions , denotes confused activity and uproar .

The noun alarum is an archaic form of alarm , meaning a call to arms (the vowel between -r- and -m- in alarum perhaps arose from rolling of the -r- in the final syllable of the call).

The noun excursion denotes a sortie , i.e. an attack made by troops coming out from a position of defence.

The phrase alarums and excursions is an allusion to the frequent collocation of the words alarum (also occasionally alarm ) and excursion in stage directions in battle scenes in a number of plays by the English poet and dramatist William Shakespeare (1564-1616)—although neither alarums and excursions nor alarms and excursions appear in Shakespeare’s plays.

For example, the stage directions are as follows at the beginning of Act V, scene 3, of The history of Henrie the fourth [Part 1] (Quarto 1, 1598):

Alarme, excursions. Enter the King, the Prince, Lord Iohn of Lancaster, Earle of Westmerland.

But, at the beginning of Act V, scene 3, of The First Part of Henry the Fourth (Folio 1, 1623), the stage directions are:

Alarum, excursions, enter the King, the Prince, Lord Iohn of Lancaster, and Earle of Westmerland.

The phrase is first recorded—in its military acceptation and in the form alarms and excursions —in The Siege against Lathom House in the year 1643 , published in The European Magazine , and London Review ( London , England) of February 1793. This text was presented as the transcription of a handwritten diary of the siege of the Royalist stronghold of Lathom House, in Lancashire , by a Parliamentarian army during the English Civil War (1642-49):

21st, 22d, 23d, and 24th. The four following days were spent in alarms and excursions without much business of service.

The earliest instance of the phrase that I have found is from an article published in The Waterford Mail (Waterford, County Waterford, Ireland ) of Wednesday 17 th February 1830; the author likens to a Shakespearean drama the political scheming in the designation of the candidate in a legislative election:

Thus ends Act the Second. The third and concluding portion of the drama opens with confusion, and ends, like Shakespeare’s Historical Tragedies, with “Alarms and Excursions.”

The second-earliest occurrence of the phrase that I have found appears in a military context; it is from The Northern Whig (Belfast, County Antrim, Ireland ) of Saturday 14 th September 1839:

The War in Spain.—Foreign Policy of the Present Ministry.—The Spanish war is nearly at an end. That contest, which has existed for several years, with various success—which has desolated several of the finest provinces of Spain —impoverished her people—spilled, like water, the blood of thousands of her children, has come to a close,—more from mere exhaustion, on the part of the combatants, than from any great or decided advantage gained by one side over the other. It has been a remarkable feature of this civil war, that scarcely any thing approaching to a pitched battle or a regular siege has taken place. We have had “alarums and excursions,” surprises, desolations, massacres, and butcheries of prisoners, in multitudes; but little or nothing of what we may term war on a grand scale.

I have found another early instance of the phrase in the following from The Morning Chronicle (London, England) of Saturday 7 th April 1849:

Autres temps, autres mœurs * . It is clear that the spirit of the gallant Lord George no longer prevails in the Protectionist councils. No more storming of windmills—no more challenging of recumbent lions —no more adventurous descents into the bottomless pit of statistics. The good knight , vowed to the immaculate reputation of Mr. Canning, has disappeared, and with him the policy of alarms and excursions. A Protectionist campaign is now an affair as stately as a minuet.

* The French phrase autres temps, autres mœurs , literally other times, other customs , is a translation of the Latin o tempora o mores , literally oh the times oh the customs , used by the Roman statesman, orator and author Marcus Tullius Cicero (106-43 BC) in First Oration against Catiline ( Oratio in Catilinam Prima ), in which Cicero accused Lucius Sergius Catilina (circa 108-62 BC) of leading a plot to overthrow the Roman government.

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‘Alarums And Excursions’, Meaning & Context

Amidst the vast tapestry of English language, certain phrases stand out, their origins shrouded in time, their meanings ripe with history, their usage a testament to their enduring relevance. One such phrase is “alarums and excursions,” a term that captures the essence of sudden commotion, unexpected disturbances, and the whirlwind of emotions that accompany such disruptions. Its roots lie deep in the realm of theatre, where it served as a dramatic device to heighten tension and transport audiences into the heart of conflict.

Origin of Alarums and Excursions

While the phrase “alarums and excursions” is most famously associated with William Shakespeare, its roots in theatre extend beyond his works. The term appears in various plays and dramatic works prior to Shakespeare, reflecting the use of sounds and sudden movements to create dramatic tension and heighten the audience’s engagement.

In Elizabethan theatre, the phrase was employed to evoke the din of battle, the clamour of crowds, or the tumult of a storm. These auditory and visual cues were essential to the performance, as they helped to take the audience right into the action.

The use of “alarums and excursions” continued to evolve throughout the history of theatre, often taking on symbolic or metaphorical significance. In some instances, the phrase served to represent the internal turmoil of a character, the chaos of their thoughts and emotions. In other cases, it signified a sudden shift in the play’s plot, a turning point that would propel the story forward.

The Shakespeare Connection

The phrase “alarums and excursions” finds its earliest recorded usage in the works of William Shakespeare, a literary titan who wielded language with masterful precision. In his play Henry V , the phrase appears as a stage instruction accompanying the battle scene . As he rallies his troops, Henry evokes the spirit of bravery and camaraderie, urging them to embrace the chaos of battle. In this context, “alarums and excursions” refers to the sounds of battle – the clash of swords, the cries of soldiers, the thunder of cannons – and the chaotic movements of troops engaged in combat. It paints a vivid picture of the battlefield, a place of sudden violence and unpredictable turns of events.

General Application of the Term “Alarums and Excursions”

Beyond its literal meaning, “alarums and excursions” carries a broader significance. It speaks of the unexpected disruptions that life throws our way, the sudden upheavals that challenge our equilibrium and force us to confront the unknown. It captures the sense of disorientation and uncertainty that accompanies such events, as we grapple with the sudden shift in our reality.

Today, it is often used in a lighthearted or humorous way to describe any unexpected disturbance, a sudden disruption to the routine of life. For instance, one might describe a child’s tantrum as an “alarm and excursion,” or the sudden appearance of an unexpected guest as an “alarum and excursion.”

The enduring popularity of this phrase speaks to its ability to capture a universal human experience: the sense of disruption, the unexpected turn of events, and the challenge of navigating the chaos that life sometimes throws our way. In a world of constant change and uncertainty, “alarums and excursions” reminds us that life is full of surprises, both pleasant and unpleasant, and that our ability to adapt and respond to these disruptions is a testament to our resilience as human beings.

Alarums and excursions

Terms With a Similar Meaning

• Much Ado – fuss, commotion, or excitement
• Ballyhoo – excessive publicity or promotion
• Bobbery – a noisy disturbance or quarrel
• Bother – to cause worry or trouble
• Bustle – hurried activity or movement
• Clatter – a loud, confused noise
• Commotion – a state of confused and noisy disturbance
• Furor – a sudden outbreak of violent anger or excitement
• Furore – a state of great excitement or enthusiasm
• Fuss – unnecessary concern or activity
• Helter-skelter – in a confused and disorderly way
• Hoo-ha – excitement or fuss
• Hoopla – noisy excitement or fuss
• Hubble-bubble – a confused or excited state
• Hubbub – a confused or noisy disturbance
• Hullabaloo – a noisy disturbance
• Hurly-burly – a state of noisy confusion or disorder
• Hurry-scurry – a state of confused and hurried activity
• Kerfuffle (chiefly British) – a state of confused and noisy disturbance
• Pandemonium – a wild and noisy confusion
• Row – a noisy argument or disagreement
• Ruckus – a noisy disturbance or commotion
• Rumpus – a noisy disturbance or quarrel
• Stir – to cause activity or excitement
• Storm – a violent disturbance of the atmosphere, with strong winds and rain or snow
• To-do – a fuss or commotion
• Tumult – a state of confused and noisy disturbance or disorder
• Turmoil – a state of great confusion and trouble
• Uproar – a loud and confused noise or disturbance
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Understanding the Idiom: "alarums and excursions" - Meaning, Origins, and Usage

The term “alarum” comes from the Latin word “alarmare,” which means to sound an alarm or call to arms. In Shakespearean times, it was used as a signal for soldiers to prepare for battle. The word “excursion” has roots in the Latin word “excursio,” which means a sudden attack or raid.

When these two words are combined in the idiom “alarums and excursions,” they create a vivid image of chaos and disorder. This phrase is often used metaphorically to describe situations where there is a lot of noise, confusion, or activity happening all at once.

To better understand this idiom’s usage and context, let’s take a closer look at some examples:

– During the concert’s finale performance, there were alarums and excursions as fans rushed towards the stage.

– The company’s annual meeting was marked by alarums and excursions as shareholders voiced their concerns about recent losses.

– In Act III of Shakespeare’s play Henry IV Part I, there are several scenes that feature alarums and excursions as soldiers prepare for battle.

Origins and Historical Context of the Idiom “alarums and excursions”

The idiom “alarums and excursions” is a phrase that has been used in English language for centuries. It is often associated with chaos, confusion, and noise. The origins of this phrase can be traced back to medieval times when it was commonly used in military contexts.

During battles, soldiers would sound alarms (or “alarums” ) to warn their comrades of impending danger. These alarms were often accompanied by the sounds of trumpets or other instruments, which created a great deal of noise and commotion on the battlefield.

In addition to its military usage, “alarums and excursions” also became a popular expression in theatrical performances during the Elizabethan era. Plays from this time period often included scenes with battle or combat, which required actors to make loud noises and create chaos on stage. The phrase came to represent these dramatic moments in theater as well.

Over time, “alarums and excursions” evolved into a more general expression for any situation that involved confusion or disorder. Today, it is still used in various contexts such as politics, sports events, or even everyday life situations where there is a lot of noise or commotion.

The Use of Alarum vs Alarm

It’s worth noting that the use of the word “alarum” instead of “alarm” was common during Shakespeare’s time but has since fallen out of use except within this specific idiom. This may be due to changes in spelling conventions over time or simply because the word fell out of favor among English speakers.

Famous Examples

There are many famous examples throughout literature where authors have used the idiom “alarums and excursions.” One notable example comes from William Shakespeare’s play Henry V:

“And let us swear our resolution will keep

Alarum’d to the onset, and at once

Follow’d with a general ‘sword drawn’ cry.”

This passage demonstrates how the phrase was used in a military context to describe the chaos and noise of battle.

Usage and Variations of the Idiom “alarums and excursions”

One variation of this idiom is “alarum bells,” which refers specifically to the ringing of bells that signal an emergency or danger. Another variation is “excursion train,” which describes a special train that takes passengers on an adventure or sightseeing trip.

In literature, this idiom has been used by various authors throughout history, including William Shakespeare in his play Henry IV, Part 1. In modern times, it has also been referenced in popular culture through movies and television shows.

Synonyms, Antonyms, and Cultural Insights for the Idiom “alarums and excursions”

Some possible synonyms for “alarums and excursions” include commotion, uproar, turmoil, pandemonium, mayhem, bedlam, chaos, and disorder. These words all convey a sense of noise and confusion that is similar to the meaning of the original idiom.

On the other hand, some antonyms for “alarums and excursions” might include calmness, tranquility, serenity, orderliness, harmony, peaceable-ness. These words represent a contrast to the chaotic nature of the idiom’s meaning.

Cultural insights into this idiomatic expression reveal that it has roots in Shakespearean theater. In fact “Alarum” was an Elizabethan spelling of “Alarm,” which meant a call to arms; “Excursion” referred not only to movement but also specifically military maneuvering. Thus when Shakespeare wrote about “Alarums” he was referring not just any old disturbance but one involving conflict between armies – with all their attendant noise!

Practical Exercises for the Idiom “alarums and excursions”

Exercise 1: conversation practice.

One effective way to practice using “alarums and excursions” is through conversation practice. Find a partner or group of friends who are also interested in improving their English language skills, and engage in a conversation where you intentionally use this idiom. Start by discussing current events or recent experiences, and try to incorporate the phrase naturally into your speech.

Person A: “I was at a concert last night, but there were so many alarums and excursions that I couldn’t enjoy the music.”

Person B: “What kind of alarums and excursions?”

Person A: “Well, first there was a fire alarm that went off, then someone spilled their drink on me, and finally there was a fight that broke out near us.”

Exercise 2: Writing Prompts

Another way to practice using idioms like “alarums and excursions” is through writing prompts. Choose a prompt from below, or create your own story idea that incorporates this phrase:

– Write about an adventurous trip where unexpected things kept happening (e.g. missed flights, lost luggage).

– Imagine you’re telling someone about an eventful day at work – include several instances of chaos or confusion.

– Create a fictional story where characters must navigate through dangerous situations (e.g. natural disasters) while trying to accomplish their goals.

• Write down any other ideas for stories or conversations where you could use this idiom.
• Practice incorporating it into your speech or writing until it feels natural.
• Remember that idioms are often used in informal language, so don’t be afraid to experiment with different ways of using them.

By practicing these exercises, you’ll become more confident in using “alarums and excursions” in everyday conversation and writing. Keep exploring new ways to incorporate idioms into your language learning journey!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Using the Idiom “alarums and excursions”

When using idioms in everyday language, it is important to understand their meaning and usage. The idiom “alarums and excursions” may seem straightforward, but there are common mistakes that people make when using it.

One mistake is using the idiom in inappropriate situations. “Alarums and excursions” refers specifically to a commotion or uproar, usually related to military action or conflict. Using it in other contexts can be confusing or even offensive.

Another mistake is mispronouncing the words. The correct pronunciation of “alarums” is with emphasis on the second syllable (uh-LAR-uhmz), while “excursions” should be pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable (ik-SKUR-zhuhnz).

Finally, some people mistakenly use the phrase as a singular noun ( “an alarums and excursions” ) instead of its proper form as a plural noun (“alarums and excursions”). This can lead to confusion and incorrect usage.

By avoiding these common mistakes when using the idiom “alarums and excursions,” you can ensure clear communication and accurate understanding of your intended message.

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alarums and excursions  

confused noise and bustle; from a stage direction occurring in slightly varying forms in a number of Shakespeare's history plays, as ... ...

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1 alarums and excursions Rate this phrase: 0.0 / 0 votes

The French armies were not far off, and there were alarums and excursions all along the border.

2 alarums and excursions Rate this phrase: 0.0 / 0 votes

He had been well aware ever since his coming to Hathelsborough of an atmosphere of intrigue and mystery; every development that occurred seemed to thicken it. . . . It puzzled him, being still a stranger to the habits and customs of these people, to see that life in Hathelsborough went on, amidst all these alarums and excursions.

Nearby phrases

Some more phrases from our dictionary similar to alarums and excursions.

a fool and his money are soon parted a gentleman and a scholar a hundred and ten percent a hundred and ten percent a little bit of bread and no cheese a quick drop and a sudden stop a scholar and a gentleman a short drop and a sudden stop a story written is shorter than a novel… above and beyond above and beyond the call of duty Adam and Eve not Adam and Steve after all is said and done again and again airs and graces alive and kicking all and some all and sundry all and sundry all bark and no bite all dressed up and nowhere to go all eyes and ears all fur coat and no knickers all hat and no cattle all mouth and no trousers all mouth and trousers all piss and wind like a barber cat all sixes and nines all sizzle and no steak all sizzle and no steak

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Definition & Meaning

Alarums and excursions – Definition & Meaning

The English language is filled with words that are not commonly used in everyday conversation. One such word is “alarums and excursions.” If you have come across this phrase, you may be wondering what it means. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of alarums and excursions.

Definitions

Meaning in different dictionaries, associations, the same root words, example sentences.

“Alarums and excursions” is a phrase that means a noisy and chaotic situation, usually involving a lot of activity and confusion. It is often used to describe a scene of commotion and disorder.

The phrase “alarums and excursions” has its roots in the theater. It was originally used to refer to the sound effects used in plays to create the illusion of battle scenes. The word “alarum” comes from the Latin word “alarma,” which means “to arms.” The word “excursion” comes from the Latin word “excursio,” which means “a running out.”

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, “alarums and excursions” means “a scene or sequence of events recalling the confusion and excitement of a battle.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a noisy, confused, and exciting situation.”

The phrase “alarums and excursions” is often associated with chaos, confusion, and disorder. It is used to describe situations that are loud, busy, and overwhelming.

Some synonyms of “alarums and excursions” include commotion, tumult, uproar, pandemonium, and bedlam.

Some antonyms of “alarums and excursions” include calm, peace, serenity, and tranquility.

The words “alarums” and “excursions” both have the same root word, which is “curro,” meaning “to run.” “Alarums” comes from the Latin word “alarma,” which means “to arms,” and “excursions” comes from the Latin word “excursio,” which means “a running out.”

• The factory was a scene of alarums and excursions as workers rushed to meet their deadlines.
• The concert was an exciting alarums and excursions of lights, music, and dancing.
• The political rally turned into an alarums and excursions as protesters clashed with police.

In conclusion, “alarums and excursions” is a phrase that describes a scene of chaos, confusion, and disorder. It has its roots in the theater and is often associated with noisy and overwhelming situations. Knowing the meaning and usage of this phrase can help you better understand English literature and conversation.

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English Lessons

Alarums and Excursions Idiom – Meaning and Example Usage in Sentences

Introduction: The World of Idioms

Greetings, language enthusiasts! Idioms are fascinating expressions that add color and depth to any language. Today, we’ll embark on a journey to unravel the idiom ‘alarums and excursions’.

Origin: A Glimpse into History

This idiom traces its roots back to the world of theater. In the 16th century, during the Elizabethan era, ‘alarums and excursions’ referred to the commotion and chaos created during a stage battle scene.

Meaning: Beyond the Literal

While the literal meaning of ‘alarums and excursions’ is associated with noise and confusion, it has evolved to convey a broader sense of disorder, tumult, or even a series of unexpected events.

Usage: Versatility in Context

Let’s explore the versatility of this idiom through a few sentences: 1. The new intern’s first day was filled with alarums and excursions, as she navigated the fast-paced office environment. 2. The political landscape witnessed alarums and excursions, with unexpected alliances and sudden policy changes. 3. The annual festival is known for its alarums and excursions, from the vibrant parades to the bustling food stalls.

Conclusion: Embrace the Idiomatic Charm

In the vast tapestry of the English language, idioms like ‘alarums and excursions’ serve as delightful threads. By understanding their origins, meanings, and usage, we not only enhance our linguistic skills but also gain a deeper appreciation for the richness of expression. So, let’s continue our journey of exploration, one idiom at a time!

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alarums and excursions

Plural noun.

• (especially in Elizabethan drama) military action, as representative fragments of a battle, sound effects of trumpets, or clash of arms: used as a stage direction.
• any noisy, frantic, or disorganized activity.

Word History and Origins

Origin of alarums and excursions 1

Alarms and excursions

Posted by Victoria S Dennis on September 30, 2008 at 21:34

In Reply to: Alarms and excursions posted by Rosemary Dean on September 29, 2008 at 20:02:

: What is the origin, meaning, and the original context of the phrase 'alarms and excursions'?

'Alarums and excursions' is an Elizabethan stage direction; Shakespeare and others used it. 'Alarum' is an old form of 'alarm', which derives from the Italian phrase "all'arme!" meaning "To arms!" 'Excursion' is here used in an old sense 'sally, sortie, raid'. The whole phrase used as a stage direction meant that all the extras dressed as soldiers were to dash about the stage shouting "To arms!" and generally giving the impression of exciting military action. (VSD)

• 1.1 Etymology
• 1.2.1 Derived terms
• 1.3.1 Usage notes
• 1.4 See also
• 1.5 Anagrams

From Middle English alarom , from Old Italian all'arme ( “ to arms, to the weapons ” ) , from Latin arma , armorum ( “ weapons ” ) .

alarum ( plural alarums )

• 1931 , [George] Bernard Shaw , “ Pygmalion: A Romance in Five Acts ”, in Androcles and the Lion . Overruled . Pygmalion , standard edition, London: Constable and Company , published 1951 , →OCLC , Act I, page 212 : These are the only visible luxuries: the rest is the irreducible minimum of poverty's needs: a wretched bed heaped with all sorts of coverings that have any warmth in them, a draped packing case with a basin and jug on it and a little looking glass over it, a chair and table, the refuse of some suburban kitchen, and an American alarum clock on the shelf above the unused fireplace: the whole lighted with a gas lamp with a penny in the slot meter.
• 1963 , Margery Allingham , “Eye Witness”, in The China Governess: A Mystery , London: Chatto & Windus , →OCLC , page 249 : The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen. [ … ] The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise although they had been well prepared.
• 2008 December 9, Jeff Jacoby , “Skepticism on climate change”, in The International Herald Tribune ‎ [1] , →ISSN : Just another forum, then, sounding the usual alarums on the looming threat from global warming?
• c. 1587–1588 , [ Christopher Marlowe ], Tamburlaine the Great. [ … ] The First Part   [ … ] , 2nd edition, part 1, London: [ … ] [ R. Robinson for ] Richard Iones,   [ … ] , published 1592 , →OCLC ; reprinted as Tamburlaine the Great (A Scolar Press Facsimile), Menston, Yorkshire, London: Scolar Press, 1973 , →ISBN , Act I, scene ii : Come let vs meet them at the mountain foot, / And with a ſodaine and an hot alarum / Driue all their horſes headlong down the hill.
• c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare , “ The Tragedie of Macbeth ”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies   [ … ] ( First Folio ), London: [ … ] Isaac Iaggard , and Ed [ ward ] Blount , published 1623 , →OCLC , [ Act I, scene ii ] , page 131 , column 1: A stage direction.
• 1969 , Michael Arlen , Living Room War : It seems to me that by the same process they are also made less "real" - distinguished, in part, by the physical size of the television screen, which, for all the industry's advances, still shows one a picture of men three inches tall shooting at other men three inches tall, and trivialized, or at least tamed, by the enveloping cozy alarums of the household.
• 2016 , Christopher Kelly , The Pink Bus , Mapple Shade, New Jersey: Lethe Press, page 95 : On the cable news channels, especially, there were teary-eyed interviews with bystanders; alarums from both the gun control advocates on the one side and the Second Amendment nuts on the other; and—inevitably, inappropriately—debates over what the shooting might mean for this closely-watched Senate race.

Derived terms

• alarums and excursions

alarum ( third-person singular simple present alarums , present participle alaruming , simple past and past participle alarumed )

• c. 1606 (date written), William Shakespeare , “ The Tragedie of Macbeth ”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies   [ … ] ( First Folio ), London: [ … ] Isaac Iaggard , and Ed [ ward ] Blount , published 1623 , →OCLC , [ Act II, scene i ] , page 136 , column 1: Now o're the one halfe World / Nature ſeemes dead, and wicked Dreames abuſe / The Curtain'd ſleepe: Witchcraft celebrates / Pale Heccats Offrings: and wither'd Murther, / Alarum'd by his Centinell, the Wolfe, / Whoſe howle's his Watch, thus with his ſtealthy pace, / With Tarquins rauiſhing ſides, towards his deſigne / Moues like a Ghoſt.

Usage notes

• Alarum is an old spelling of alarm (as a noun or a verb), which has stayed around as a deliberate archaism . Possibly it is retained because of its use in Shakespeare's plays.

ālārum   f

• genitive plural of āla

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Definition of alarm

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Definition of alarm  (Entry 2 of 2)

transitive verb

Did you know?

Today we usually think of an alarm as a loud noise that awakens us or warns us of danger. Its first use, however, was in Italy as a call to arms to soldiers. The Italian phrase all’arme! means literally “to arms” or “to your weapons.” The call was borrowed into other languages and came to be shortened to alarme in early French and Middle English. The word also came to be used as the name for the cry, then for any warning, and then to any device used to sound a warning, such as a bell or a gun. Since an alarm can cause fright or worry, such feelings also came to be known as alarm. By the 17th century, the word was used as a verb, meaning “to warn of danger” and then “to frighten.”

• apprehension
• apprehensiveness

fear , dread , fright , alarm , panic , terror , trepidation mean painful agitation in the presence or anticipation of danger.

fear is the most general term and implies anxiety and usually loss of courage.

dread usually adds the idea of intense reluctance to face or meet a person or situation and suggests aversion as well as anxiety.

fright implies the shock of sudden, startling fear.

alarm suggests a sudden and intense awareness of immediate danger.

panic implies unreasoning and overmastering fear causing hysterical activity.

terror implies the most extreme degree of fear.

trepidation adds to dread the implications of timidity, trembling, and hesitation.

Examples of alarm in a Sentence

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'alarm.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Middle English alarme, alarom , from Middle French alarme , from Old Italian all'arme , literally, to the arms

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing alarm

• alarm clock
• alarm reaction
• burglar alarm
• false alarm
• no cause for alarm
• raise / sound the alarm
• still alarm

Dictionary Entries Near alarm

Cite this entry.

“Alarm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alarm. Accessed 16 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

Kids definition of alarm.

Kids Definition of alarm  (Entry 2 of 2)

Middle English alarme "a call to arms," from early French alarme (same meaning), derived from early Italian all'arme, literally "to arms," from all' "to the" and arme "weapon," from Latin arma "weapon" — related to arm entry 3

More from Merriam-Webster on alarm

Nglish: Translation of alarm for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of alarm for Arabic Speakers

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• Meaning of alarum

alarum ( English)

Origin & history.

• ( archaic ) A danger signal or warning .
• 1913 , George Bernard Shaw, Pygmalion , chapter Act I: " The rest is the irreducible minimum of poverty's needs: A wretched bed heaped with all sorts of coverings that have any warmth in them, a draped packing case with a basin and jug on it and a little looking glass over it, a chair and table, the refuse of some suburban kitchen, and an American alarum clock on the shelf above the unused fireplace […] "
• 1963 , Margery Allingham, The China Governess , chapter 20: " The story struck the depressingly familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise although they had been well prepared. "
• A call to arms.
• c. 1605 , William Shakespeare, Macbeth , Act I, scene II (stage direction) A camp near Forres. Alarum within.
• 1969 , Michael Arlen, Living Room War It seems to me that by the same process they are also made less "real" - distinguished, in part, by the physical size of the television screen, which, for all the industry's advances, still shows one a picture of men three inches tall shooting at other men three inches tall, and trivialized, or at least tamed, by the enveloping cozy alarums of the household.

▾  Derived words & phrases

• alarums and excursions
• ( archaic ) To sound alarums, to sound an alarm .
• c. 1605 Shakespeare, Macbeth Act II, Scene I "Now o'er the one half-world Nature seems dead, and wicked dreams abuse The curtain'd sleep; witchcraft celebrates Pale Hecate's offerings; and wither'd Murther, Alarum'd by his sentinel, the wolf, Whose howl's his watch, thus with his stealthy pace, With Tarquin's ravishing strides, towards his design Moves like a ghost."
• Alarum is an old spelling of alarm (as a noun or a verb), which has stayed around as a deliberate archaism . Possibly it is retained because of its use in Shakespeare's plays.

alarum ( Latin)

• Inflection of āla ( genitive plural )

▾  Dictionary entries

Entries where "alarum" occurs:

calendar : …familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise…

second : …familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise…

most : …familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise…

take : …familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise…

since : …familiar note with which true stories ring in the tried ears of experienced policemen.[…]The second note, the high alarum , not so familiar and always important since it indicates the paramount sin in Man's private calendar, took most of them by surprise…

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Cite this page : "alarum" – WordSense Online Dictionary (16th August, 2024) URL: https://www.wordsense.eu/alarum/

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alarumed (English)

alaruming (English)

alarums (English)

alarums and excursions (English)

alaruumis (Finnish)

alarve (Portuguese)

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servitutis , চন্দ্ৰ , oustre (Old French)

Definition of 'alarum'

Alarum in british english.

alarum in American English

Examples of 'alarum' in a sentence alarum, trends of alarum.

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Revealing the mysteries within microbial genomes

Scientists will be able to determine the function of genes more quickly than ever with a new high-throughput approach.

A new technique developed at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (Berkeley Lab) will make it much easier for researchers to discover the traits or activities encoded by genes of unknown function in microbes, a key step toward understanding the roles and impact of individual species.

The approach, called barcoded overexpression bacterial shotgun library sequencing, or Boba-seq, is described in a paper published August 5 in Nature Communications .

"There is so much genetic dark matter -- DNA that we can sequence quickly with today's methods but don't know the function of -- out there in the microbial universe. And the question is, how are we ever going to study all that matter to understand the microbiomes surrounding us? The fundamental answer is -- like this," said lead author Adam Arkin, a senior faculty scientist in Berkeley Lab's Biosciences Area.

Boba-seq involves taking random fragments of DNA from bacteria of interest and expressing them in host bacterial cells. "The idea is that we can see how the presence of new genes confer a difference in phenotype of growth of that bacterium," said first author Yolanda Huang, an assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Buffalo who was a postdoctoral researcher in Arkin's lab at the time of the study. "This is a functional genomics approach that we can use to quickly connect a gene or a piece of DNA sequence with a potential function."

The term "barcode" in the name refers to a small sequence of DNA that the scientists use as an identifying tag for a much larger fragment of DNA, much like how a barcode at a grocery store identifies a specific item with a small code. The entire genome of the organism being studied is randomly separated into fragments containing single genes or clusters of several genes, then inserted into plasmids -- circular packages of DNA -- that have been tagged with unique barcodes. The Boba-seq "library" refers to all the barcoded plasmids containing fragments from an organism. This library can be introduced into different bacterial hosts to generate a huge number of genetic variants, which are then screened for new behaviors or properties.

Arkin and his colleagues in the Biosciences Area are leading experts on high-throughput techniques to study gene function, and have been involved in the invention of a number of other techniques that either insert or silence genes to investigate their function, including RB-TnSeq, CRISPRi and Dub-Seq.

With Boba-seq, hundreds of thousands of barcoded fragments can be put into host cells and cultured under varying conditions to determine function in a single experiment. For example, if cells with a certain barcode grow happily when the whole culture is exposed to an antibiotic, but the others perish, you know that the gene or genes in that fragment encoded antibiotic resistance traits. And identifying the fragment responsible for this new ability is cheap and fast, thanks to the barcode.

"Yolanda's innovations with Boba-seq allows us to identify which of hundreds of thousands of fragments are conferring the phenotype or the property that we want," said Arkin. "Our new strategy allows us to make libraries and use them at a higher throughput than previous overexpression approaches."

The other significant breakthrough is that Boba-seq fragments can be tested in the same organism that they were pulled from (or a close relative), which is essential for getting an accurate picture of what a gene does. Previous techniques are limited because they only test genes inside model organisms like E. coli and yeast. Genes from organisms very different from E. coli are often not functional in E. coli, making it difficult or impossible to get a clear picture of what the genes do.

The computational tool used to process results from the laboratory work involved in Boba-seq is available to other researchers on an open-source platform. "I am excited to see how others may use Boba-seq worldwide, especially for metagenomic studies of the gut or environment," said co-author Allison Hung, a UC Berkeley graduate student in the Arkin lab. "The ability to extract functional information from a microbial community without isolation saves a huge amount of time and resources, and will be key for studying microbes that are difficult to culture in a lab, like those living in complex ecosystems currently studied as part of ENIGMA." ENIGMA, short for Ecosystems and Networks Integrated with Genes and Molecular Assemblies, is a Department of Energy (DOE) Scientific Focus Area co-led by Arkin that is aimed at understanding how microbial communities cycle nutrients through ecosystems and detoxify toxic heavy metal contaminants.

After building and refining Boba-seq, Arkin's team tested the new technique by studying the genes in Bacteroidales, a taxonomic order of microbes that are abundant in the human gut and known to play many roles in our internal microbiome. Bacteroidales are also major players in terrestrial soil processes, where they degrade organic matter and return the nutrients to plants. The team generated 305,000 barcoded fragments from libraries of six Bacteroidales species and evaluated more than 21,000 protein-coding genes in parallel.

Results from these proof-of-principle experiments revealed that genes encoding enzymes that build certain lipid molecules endow resistance to ceftriaxone, an antibiotic in the cephalosporin class. These genes have not been previously linked to antibiotic resistance, and warrant further investigation.

The team also discovered several new functions in carbohydrate metabolism, including an enzyme needed to metabolize glucosamine, a modified sugar molecule found in bones, connective tissue, and the exoskeletons of insects and crustaceans. In the gut, microbes use glucosamine as an energy molecule and to construct their cell walls, whereas human cells that form the lining of the intestine use it to produce the mucus membrane that helps maintain healthy nutrient uptake and prevent invasion of pathogens.

These insights into Bacteroidales will help health researchers better understand gut function, as this order acts as "commensals most of the time and really maintain gut health," said Huang. "But in certain states, the nutrient released by Bacteroidales can be used by pathogens to support their own growth."

Arkin and his ENIGMA colleagues are now using Boba-seq to investigate how soil microbes derive energy from complex carbon-based molecules in the environment that most life forms cannot metabolize. Meanwhile, Huang plans to use Boba-seq in her new lab at the University of Buffalo's Jacobs School of Medicine & Biomedical Sciences to study genes that bacteria use to evade attacks from bacteriophages (viruses that infect bacteria), increase colonization efficiency in the gut, and break down complex carbohydrates.

This research was supported in part by the DOE Office of Science. Yolanda Huang is an Astellas Pharmaceuticals Awardee of the Life Sciences Research Foundation.

• Microbes and More
• Microbiology
• Sustainability
• Origin of Life
• Charles Darwin
• Introduction to genetics
• Endangered species
• Origin of life
• Homo erectus
• Molecular biology

Story Source:

Materials provided by DOE/Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory . Original written by Aliyah Kovner. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.

Journal Reference :

• Yolanda Y. Huang, Morgan N. Price, Allison Hung, Omree Gal-Oz, Surya Tripathi, Christopher W. Smith, Davian Ho, Héloïse Carion, Adam M. Deutschbauer, Adam P. Arkin. Barcoded overexpression screens in gut Bacteroidales identify genes with roles in carbon utilization and stress resistance . Nature Communications , 2024; 15 (1) DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-50124-3

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