false alarm
Americannoun
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a false report of a fire in progress to a fire department.
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something that excites unfounded alarm or expectation.
Rumors of an impending transit strike proved to be a false alarm.
noun
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a needless alarm given in error or with intent to deceive
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an occasion on which danger is perceived but fails to materialize
Etymology
Origin of false alarm
First recorded in 1570–80
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.
After another false alarm that the case had been found, Rosie's husband Chris says he began emailing Ryanair "twice a week for months" in the hope of an update.
From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026
This misinterpretation activates the cell's innate immune system, creating a false alarm that can lead to inflammation and disease.
From Science Daily • Feb. 27, 2026
The ShakeAlert system that warns about imminent shaking arriving from earthquakes sent a false alarm across California on Thursday morning for a magnitude 5.9 temblor that did not happen.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025
What’s a red flag, what’s a false alarm and what’s already a five alarm fire.
From Slate • Jan. 25, 2025
Dandelion grew nervous and twice gave a false alarm.
From "Watership Down: A Novel" by Richard Adams
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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.