The word “alarming” is one that we often hear in our daily lives. It is a word that is used to describe situations that are concerning, worrying, or even dangerous. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of the word “alarming”, its origin, and its associations.
Definitions
The word “alarming” is an adjective that is used to describe something that is causing concern or fear. It can refer to a situation, an event, or a person’s behavior. Some of the synonyms of alarming include concerning, worrying, disturbing, and threatening.
Origin
The word “alarming” comes from the Old French word “alerter”, which means to warn or to alert. The word was first used in English in the early 17th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, the word “alarming” means “causing apprehension or fear; disturbing, threatening, or dangerous.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “causing apprehension or fear.”
Associations
The word “alarming” is often associated with situations that are dangerous or threatening. For example, a fire alarm is a device that is designed to alert people in the event of a fire. Similarly, a weather alert is a warning that is issued when severe weather is expected.
Synonyms
Some of the synonyms of alarming include concerning, worrying, disturbing, and threatening. Other synonyms include disquieting, unsettling, and unnerving.
Antonyms
The antonyms of alarming include reassuring, comforting, and calming. These words are used to describe situations that are not threatening or dangerous.
The same root words
The word “alarming” shares the same root word as the words “alert” and “alarm”. These words are all derived from the Old French word “alerter”.
Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences that use the word “alarming”:
- The rise in crime rates is alarming.
- The sound of the tornado siren was alarming.
- His behavior was very alarming and made me feel uncomfortable.
- The news of the pandemic was alarming and caused widespread panic.
- The smoke coming from the building was alarming and prompted people to call the fire department.