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alarmist

American  
[uh-lahr-mist] / əˈlɑr mɪst /

noun

  1. a person who tends to raise alarms, especially without sufficient reason, as by exaggerating dangers or prophesying calamities.


adjective

  1. of or like an alarmist.

alarmist British  
/ əˈlɑːmɪst /

noun

  1. a person who alarms or attempts to alarm others needlessly or without due grounds

  2. a person who is easily alarmed

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

adjective

  1. characteristic of an alarmist

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of alarmist

First recorded in 1795–1805; alarm + -ist


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.

See Examples For:

What’s alarmist and what’s real about artificial intelligence.

From Slate ● Oct. 27, 2026

He advised limiting exposure to alarmist content, discussing any concerns with trusted friends or family and seeking help from a GP if anxiety begins to affect daily life, wellbeing or relationships.

From BBC ● Sep. 20, 2026

When something is speeding up and going out of control, prudence, care and deliberation aren’t alarmist, they’re necessary.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 10, 2026

Forgive me for being an alarmist, but your brother’s document gives me pause.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 7, 2026

“I don’t want to be an alarmist, but I know of nothing humans can do to return the moon to its orbit.”

From "The Dead and the Gone" by Susan Beth Pfeffer

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