1. Plural of alarum; loud sounds or signals that warn of danger or call to action.
Usage: archaic or literary form of 'alarms'; commonly used in historical texts and Shakespeare
2. Sudden fear or anxiety caused by awareness of danger.
Usage: archaic or literary form of 'alarms'

Examples

• The alarums of the night watch echoed through the castle.
• At the sound of alarums, soldiers rushed to their posts.
• The alarums spread quickly through the town as the enemy approached.
• Shakespeare's plays often feature dramatic alarums and excursions.
• The alarums of the bell tower warned citizens of the approaching storm.