Definition

Noun: 1. A bell that sounds to signal a warning or alert: A device that produces a ringing sound to indicate danger, an emergency, or an important event requiring attention. 2. The sound produced by such a bell: The specific auditory signal of a ringing bell used as an alarm.

Usage

The term "alarm bell" is used to describe both the physical bell that rings and the sound it makes. It is a signal intended to warn people of danger or to alert them to a specific situation. - It is often used in contexts involving fire, security breaches, or other emergencies. - It can be used literally or metaphorically to indicate a strong warning sign.

Examples

• Literal use (the device):
  • The fire alarm bell rang loudly, prompting everyone to evacuate the building.
  • He pulled the lever to activate the alarm bell.
• Literal use (the sound):
  • The constant clanging of the alarm bell was deafening.
  • We could hear the alarm bell from three blocks away.
• Metaphorical use:
  • The sudden drop in sales should ring alarm bells for the company's management. (Here, "ring alarm bells" is an idiom meaning to serve as a strong warning.)
  • Her high fever set off alarm bells for the doctor.

Advanced Usage

• "To ring/sound alarm bells": This is a common idiom meaning to cause concern or serve as a warning signal about a potential problem.
  • The strange noise from the engine should ring alarm bells for any driver.
  • The politician's statement sounded alarm bells among human rights groups.

Variants and Related Words

• Alarm (noun): A warning of danger, or a device that gives such a warning.
• Bell (noun): A hollow metal object, typically cup-shaped, that makes a ringing sound when struck.
• Warning bell (noun): A synonym often used interchangeably with "alarm bell," especially in metaphorical contexts.
• Tocsin (noun): A historical term for an alarm bell or the sound of one.

Synonyms

• Alert signal
• Warning bell
• Siren (though a siren is typically a different sound, it serves a similar warning function)
• Tocsin

Related Idioms

• Ring a bell: To sound familiar or remind someone of something. (Note: This is different from "ring alarm bells.")
  • Does the name "John Marston" ring a bell?
• Saved by the bell: Rescued from a difficult situation by a last-minute intervention.
  • I didn't know the answer, but I was saved by the bell when the class ended.

Noun

1. the sound of an alarm (usually a bell)