Definition

1. Noun:
   • An alarm bell, or the sound of an alarm bell: A "tocsin" is a bell that is rung quickly and repeatedly to warn people of danger, such as fire or attack. It can also refer to the urgent, warning sound produced by such a bell.

Usage

• The word "tocsin" is a formal and somewhat literary term. It is used to describe a specific type of alarm signal, typically one that is loud, urgent, and intended to alert a community to imminent danger. It often carries a historical or dramatic connotation.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The church bell served as a tocsin, warning the villagers of the approaching storm.
  • In the dead of night, the sudden tocsin echoed through the streets, rousing everyone from their sleep.
  • The ringing of the tocsin signaled the beginning of the uprising.

Advanced Usage

• Figurative Use: "Tocsin" can be used metaphorically to describe any strong warning or signal of impending trouble.
  • The scientist's report sounded a tocsin about the dangers of climate change.
  • His resignation letter was a tocsin for the company's underlying problems.

Variants and Related Words

• Alarm bell (n): A more common, general term for a bell that signals danger or an emergency.
• Warning bell (n): A bell that serves as a warning.
• Siren (n): A modern device that produces a loud, wailing sound as a warning signal (not a bell).

Synonyms

• Alarm: A warning of danger.
• Alert: A warning or signal of danger.
• Warning signal: A sign indicating potential danger.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• To sound/set off a tocsin: To ring an alarm bell or to give a strong warning.
  • The journalist's article sounded a tocsin about government corruption.
• A tocsin call: A strong and urgent call to action or warning (a variant of the more common "clarion call").
  • The leader's speech was a tocsin call to defend their freedoms.

Noun

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