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Alarming Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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alarming

[əˈlɑːmɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

news

Causing fear or worry; disturbing or shocking.

Synonyms

disturbing, shocking, worrying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alarming

Used to describe something that causes sudden fear because it implies danger or serious problems.

  • The rapid increase in crime rates is alarming.
  • The doctor's news about the patient's condition was alarming.
disturbing

Appropriate when something causes a feeling of worry or unease, often related to something inappropriate or unexpected.

  • The documentary's graphic scenes were very disturbing.
  • Her disturbing behavior made everyone uncomfortable.
shocking

Best used when describing something extremely surprising in a negative or startling way.

  • The news of his sudden resignation was shocking.
  • The scandalous revelation was absolutely shocking.
worrying

Used to describe a situation or information that causes anxiety or concern, but not necessarily immediate fear.

  • His continuous absence from work is worrying.
  • The government's new policy changes are worrying.

Examples of usage

  • The alarming reports of increasing crime rates have raised concerns among the local community.
  • The alarming news of a possible terrorist attack spread quickly through social media.
Context #2 | Verb

action

Causing someone to feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger.

Synonyms

disturb, frighten, worry.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
alarming

Used to describe something that causes sudden fear or worry because it seems dangerous or unexpected.

  • The rate of infection is alarming.
  • It’s alarming how quickly the fire spread.
frighten

Used to describe causing someone to feel afraid or scared. This word has a stronger connotation of fear.

  • The thunderstorm frightened the children.
  • His sudden outburst frightened everyone in the room.
disturb

Often used when something interrupts or causes worry, causing one to lose peace of mind or to be troubled.

  • The loud noise disturbed my sleep.
  • The news of the accident disturbed her greatly.
worry

Used when something creates anxiety or concern, often over potential problems or future events.

  • I always worry about my kids when they are traveling.
  • He began to worry after she didn’t call for days.

Examples of usage

  • The sudden loud noise alarmed the entire neighborhood.
  • Her sudden disappearance alarmed her family and friends.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Humans are naturally wired to respond to alarming situations due to the fight-or-flight response, a survival mechanism.
  • Research shows that alarming stimuli can influence decision-making and lead to heightened emotional responses.
  • Feeling alarmed can trigger the release of adrenaline and other stress hormones, preparing the body for action.

Pop Culture

  • Many horror movies use alarming sounds or scenes to create suspense and keep viewers on edge.
  • In video games, alarming alerts often indicate danger or challenges, enhancing the player's adrenaline rush.
  • The use of alarming themes in music can evoke strong emotions, influencing listeners' moods and responses.

Science

  • Research in environmental science highlights alarming rates of climate change, which prompt discussions about sustainability.
  • Public health studies often present alarming statistics to raise awareness about issues like pandemics or health crises.
  • Animals use alarming calls to alert their peers to predators, demonstrating a biological basis for conveying danger.

Literature

  • Classic literature often uses alarming events, such as sudden betrayals, to drive the plot and develop characters.
  • In poetry, alarming imagery can invoke feelings of dread or urgency, impacting the reader's emotional journey.
  • Alarming themes in dystopian novels serve to reflect societal fears and provoke thought about potential futures.

Origin of 'alarming'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'alarming' comes from the Middle French word 'alarmer', which means to sound a call for help.
  • It originally referred to the ringing of bells that warned people of danger.
  • In English, the term started being used in the 16th century to describe anything that raises fear or concern.

The word 'alarming' originated in the mid-18th century, derived from the verb 'alarm'. The root of 'alarm' can be traced back to the Italian word 'all'arme', which means 'to arms'. Over time, 'alarming' has evolved to convey the sense of causing fear or disturbance. It has been widely used in various contexts to describe situations or events that evoke concern or shock.

See also: alarm, alarmed, alarmingly, alarms.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,667 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.