(n.) A mechanical contrivance for awaking persons from sleep, or rousing their attention; an alarum.
(n.) A sudden attack; disturbance; broil.
(n.) A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
(n.) Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
(n.) Sudden surprise with fear or terror excited by apprehension of danger; in the military use, commonly, sudden apprehension of being attacked by surprise.
(v. t.) To call to arms for defense; to give notice to (any one) of approaching danger; to rouse to vigilance and action; to put on the alert.
(v. t.) To keep in excitement; to disturb.
(v. t.) To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.