publicalarm
nounUK /ˈpʌblɪk əˈlɑːm/
US /ˈpʌblɪk əˈlɑːrm/
A loud warning that tells everyone in a place to be careful or to leave.
When the fire started, the publicalarm rang and everyone went outside.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. A feeling of worry shared by many people at once.
The strange news caused a publicalarm across the town.
3. A device that makes a loud noise to warn people of danger.
They tested the publicalarm on the building every Monday.
4. A public announcement asking people to stay calm or take action.
The storm publicalarm told families to stay indoors.