burglar alarm
12
3.0
- noun
- /ˈbɜrɡlər əˈlɑrm/
- My mom has the burglar alarm on downstairs, so you should probably use the window.
- respond to burglar alarm
- burglar alarm system
- set the burglar alarm
Examples
-
The burglar alarm went off for five minutes.
-
It was 10 p.m. on Tuesday when the burglar alarm at Pet Palace across the street started blaring.
Fiction book (2000) -
This is a burglar alarm from a bank in California.
-
What went wrong with the burglar alarm?
-
The burglar alarm was on and working.
-
We should put up bars and install a burglar alarm.
Fiction book (1992) -
Allie and Glen have been broken into six times and have installed an elaborate burglar alarm system.
Fiction book (1997) -
Verify if your automobile insurance supplier delivers a discount for having a burglar alarm.
Blog text (29) -
The penthouse is throbbing with the clangorous sound of a burglar alarm.
Fiction book (1992) -
The burglar alarm went off loudly when the window was opened.
Synonyms
721
1.0
A device that makes a loud sound to warn or wake people
170
2.9
A machine that makes a loud wailing sound to warn people
66
1.0
A small machine that makes a low, repeating sound to tell people something
40
2.5
A group of devices that warns you automatically about danger like fire or a break-in
18
2.2
A bell that rings to warn people of danger or an emergency
7
3.2
A loud sound or flashing light that tells people there is danger
2
3.7
A tool that makes a loud sound or bright light to tell people there is danger
2
2.7
A bell that rings to warn people of danger
How Loud
Surface Forms
Morphology
The meaning is directly compositional: 'burglar' (person who unlawfully enters to steal) + 'alarm' (a signaling device) yields an alarm for detecting or warning about burglars/unauthorized entry. This noun–noun compound follows a common, transparent pattern found across many languages, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents should be able to infer the MWE meaning.
Etymology
Burglar alarm is a very literal name: when a burglar tries to get in, the alarm makes a loud noise or sends a signal to warn people nearby. So it means 'a device that makes a loud noise or sends a signal to warn of unauthorized entry or burglary'.