Siren: meaning, definitions and examples

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siren

[ˈsaɪrən ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

emergency vehicle

A siren is a loud noise-making device. It is typically used by emergency vehicles such as police cars, ambulances, and fire trucks to alert other road users of their presence and to clear the way.

Synonyms

alarm, alert, warning signal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
siren	Typically refers to a loud noise-making device used by emergency services (like police, ambulance, or fire brigade) to alert people. The police car's siren wailed as it sped through the streets
alarm	Used to indicate a device or signal that warns people of danger, often in case of fire or intrusion. It can also mean a strong feeling of fear or worry. The smoke alarm went off in the middle of the night The sudden news caused widespread alarm
warning signal	Refers to a sign or indicator that communicates a warning, typically used in various settings, such as traffic, machinery, or medical contexts. The warning signal flashed on the dashboard, indicating low oil pressure The lifeguard blew a warning signal to alert swimmers of the rip current
alert	Used to describe a state of readiness or warning, often related to potential or imminent danger. It can also describe the act of informing someone about a threat. The government issued a weather alert due to the approaching storm He was always alert during night shifts

Examples of usage

The police car turned on its siren as it rushed to the scene of the crime.
The ambulance blared its siren as it sped through the traffic.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mythology

In Greek mythology, a siren is a creature with the head of a woman and the body of a bird. They were believed to lure sailors to their deaths with their enchanting voices and music.

Synonyms

enchantress, mermaid, temptress.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
siren	Often used in literature and mythology to describe a creature that lures sailors with its beautiful singing. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a dangerous and seductive woman. The sailors were drawn towards the island by the song of the siren. She was a siren, tempting him with her beauty and charm.
mermaid	A mythical sea creature with the upper body of a woman and the tail of a fish. It is typically associated with the ocean and maritime folklore. The mermaid swam gracefully through the waves, her long hair flowing behind her. Legends spoke of mermaids who rescued shipwrecked sailors.
temptress	Describes a woman who entices or allures someone, particularly in a sexual manner. It has a negative connotation, implying manipulative or deceitful behavior. She was known as a temptress, always seducing men with her irresistible charm. Beware of the temptress' smile; it hides her true intentions.
enchantress	Refers to a woman with magical powers who can enchant or captivate others. Commonly found in fairy tales and fantasies. The enchantress cast a spell that put the entire village to sleep. In the story, the enchantress used her powers to help the hero on his quest.

Examples of usage

The sailors were mesmerized by the siren's song and steered their ship towards the rocky shores.
Odysseus ordered his crew to plug their ears with wax to resist the temptation of the sirens.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'siren' comes from the ancient Greek word 'Seiren,' referring to creatures that lured sailors with their enchanting songs.
In Latin, 'siren' translates to 'sirenis,' which hints at both the alluring and dangerous nature of these beings.
Over time, 'siren' has evolved in other languages, but its roots always connect back to the themes of allure and danger.

Literature

Homer's 'Odyssey' features sirens who sing to tempt Odysseus and his crew to their demise, showing their role as both seductresses and killers.
In modern literature, sirens often represent unresolved desires and the risks involved in chasing after unattainable goals.
Siren characters appear in various adaptations, including fairy tales and fantasy novels, highlighting their lasting impact on storytelling.

Cultural Depictions

In films and music, sirens are often portrayed as enchanting yet dangerous figures, blending beauty with treachery to captivate audiences.
Art from the Renaissance often depicted sirens with fish tails and melodic bodies, embodying the mystique of the sea.
Contemporary interpretations sometimes reimagine sirens as empowering figures, reclaiming their narrative from being merely deadly temptresses.

Science

The term 'siren' is also used for loud warning devices, like those found on emergency vehicles, representing the dual themes of allure and alertness.
In the animal kingdom, certain species use vocalizations to lure prey, echoing the siren's enchanting strategy in the natural world.
Research into animal communication shows that some birds use melodious calls akin to the mythical siren's song to attract mates.

Psychology

The allure of the siren is often analyzed as a metaphor for temptation and the dangers of indulgence, resonating with human psyche and desires.
The siren archetype speaks to the complex interplay between attraction and danger, often found in relationships and decision-making.
Psychological studies suggest that enchanting voices can evoke strong emotional responses, mirroring the effect of a siren’s song on listeners.

Translations

Translations of the word "siren" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sirene

🇮🇳 सायरन

🇩🇪 Sirene

🇮🇩 siren

🇺🇦 сирена

🇵🇱 syrena

🇯🇵 サイレン

🇫🇷 sirène

🇪🇸 sirena

🇹🇷 sirene

🇰🇷 사이렌

🇸🇦 صفارة الإنذار

🇨🇿 siréna

🇸🇰 siréna

🇨🇳 警报器

🇸🇮 sirena

🇮🇸 síren

🇰🇿 сирена

🇬🇪 სირენა

🇦🇿 siren

🇲🇽 sirena

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,787, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17784 pleura
17785 punches
17786 bridged
17787 siren
17788 postpartum
17789 absenteeism
17790 mourned
...