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Tocsin: meaning, definitions and examples

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tocsin

 

[ ˈtɒksɪn ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

alarm signal

A tocsin is a bell that is rung to signal an alarm or warning, especially during times of danger or emergency. It is often used to inform a community about imminent threats, such as a fire, invasion, or significant event requiring immediate attention. The sound of a tocsin can serve as both a call to action and a means of alerting people to take cover or prepare for an emergency.

Synonyms

alarm, alert, signal, warning bell.

Examples of usage

  • The town square echoed with the tocsin warning of the impending storm.
  • When the tocsin rang, everyone knew it was time to evacuate the building.
  • The tocsin tolled throughout the night, alerting citizens of the approaching danger.

Translations

Translations of the word "tocsin" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sino de alerta

🇮🇳 सुरक्षा घंटी

🇩🇪 Alarmglocke

🇮🇩 lonceng peringatan

🇺🇦 тривожний дзвін

🇵🇱 dzwon alarmowy

🇯🇵 警告の鐘

🇫🇷 cloche d'alerte

🇪🇸 campana de alerta

🇹🇷 alarm çanı

🇰🇷 경고 종

🇸🇦 جرس الإنذار

🇨🇿 poplašný zvon

🇸🇰 alarmový zvon

🇨🇳 警报钟

🇸🇮 alarmni zvon

🇮🇸 viðvörunarklukka

🇰🇿 дабыл қоңырауы

🇬🇪 გაფრთხილების ზარი

🇦🇿 təhlükə zəngi

🇲🇽 campana de alerta

Etymology

The word 'tocsin' originates from the French term 'tocsin,' which itself derives from the Old French 'toque-sain' meaning 'to ring the bell.' This term blends 'toque,' a variant of 'toquer' (to strike or hit) and 'sain,' which can be associated with 'sound.' The concept of a tocsin has historical significance, usually related to situations of urgency and the need for organized response within a community. In medieval Europe, churches commonly used bells to communicate various messages, including the beginning of services and alerts about invasions or fires. Over time, the tocsin became an essential part of community organization, often representing a collective response to danger and a call for preparedness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,463 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.