false alarm
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.
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
Reul said they saw "no smoke, no smell of fire, or damage", so they "concluded it was a false alarm", which he said was not unusual.
From BBC • Feb. 14, 2026
The ShakeAlert computer system that warns about the imminent arrival of shaking from earthquakes sent out a false alarm Thursday morning for a magnitude 5.9 temblor in Carson City, Nev., that did not actually happen.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025
I see some information about cops scrambling, but an editor says it’s a false alarm and not to worry about it.
From Slate • Jun. 17, 2025
These orders were written up and posted on the tents, and the Boss let it be known that he might at any time give a false alarm as a drill.
From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong
