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

The resiliency report also found that residents experienced “evacuation warning fatigue” from routine false alarms, making them hesitant to evacuate.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Both false alarms and true warnings will be improved by knowing the difference between a bad day on the mountain and a positive signal that a volcano is on the brink of eruption.

From Literature

On occasion, clips of them confronting federal agents have spread on social media, but many of the tips they chase are false alarms.

From Barron's