red alert
Americannoun
-
(in military or civilian defense) the most urgent form of alert, signaling that an enemy attack is believed to be imminent.
-
the signal or alarm sounded for this alert.
-
a signal or warning that a critical situation is developing or has occurred.
-
the period during which a state of crisis or danger is declared to exist.
Etymology
Origin of red alert
First recorded in 1960–65
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Authorities launched a massive rescue operation across several cities and put hospitals on red alert.
From Barron's ● Aug. 10, 2026
Looking ahead to Thursday, the ministry of health has issued a red alert for all of Italy's 27 major cities, external, including popular tourist destinations Milan, Naples, Venice and Rome.
From BBC ● Aug. 4, 2026
The app, having activated the red alert, suggests a healthier alternative.
From BBC ● Jul. 13, 2026
As temperatures were expected to ease in western Europe from Friday, eastern Europe was on red alert, with the mercury set to climb.
From Barron's ● Jun. 26, 2026
But my mind is still back at that red alert.
From "Amari and the Night Brothers" by B.B. Alston
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
