Alarumed

/əˈlɑrmd/ adjective

Definition

Frightened, startled, or aroused to sudden fear or concern; caused alarm or distress.

Etymology

From 'alarum,' an archaic spelling of 'alarm,' plus '-ed' past participle suffix. 'Alarum' was the common early modern English spelling, popularized in Shakespeare's time.

Kelly Says

Shakespeare used 'alarumed' constantly—it's wonderfully dramatic and archaic! The older spelling 'alarum' actually came from Italian 'all'arme' (to arms), showing how military terms shaped English.

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