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burglar alarm

B2
UK/ˈbɜːɡlə(r) əˈlɑːm/US/ˈbɜːrɡlər əˈlɑːrm/

Neutral; common in both everyday and technical contexts.

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Definition

Meaning

An electronic security device that detects unauthorized entry into a building and emits a loud sound to alert people and deter the intruder.

Any system or signal designed to warn of a security breach, often used metaphorically for a mechanism that alerts one to potential danger or trouble.

Linguistics

Semantic Notes

A compound noun where the first element specifies the type of alarm (for burglars). Focus is on prevention and detection of theft. Can be part of larger systems (e.g., connected to monitoring services).

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

No significant lexical difference. Both use 'burglar alarm'. In casual American speech, may be shortened to just 'alarm' in context.

Connotations

Neutral security device in both. In the UK, strong association with home insurance requirements.

Frequency

Equally common in both varieties.

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong
install a burglar alarmset the burglar alarmburglar alarm systemburglar alarm goes off
medium
fitted with a burglar alarmsilent burglar alarmburglar alarm companytest the burglar alarm
weak
expensive burglar alarmloud burglar alarmmodern burglar alarmwireless burglar alarm

Grammar

Valency Patterns

have a burglar alarmfit/install a burglar alarmset/activate the burglar alarmthe burglar alarm sounds/goes off

Vocabulary

Synonyms

Strong

anti-burglary system

Neutral

security alarmintruder alarm

Weak

sirenwarning device

Vocabulary

Antonyms

open invitationunsecured entry

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

  • “like a burglar alarm (for something very loud and insistent)”

Usage

Context Usage

Business

Discussed in property management, insurance policies, and security service sales.

Academic

Rare; might appear in criminology or urban studies discussing crime prevention.

Everyday

Common in conversations about home safety, insurance, and neighbourhood security.

Technical

Used by electricians and security system installers; refers to specific components like sensors and control panels.

Examples

By Part of Speech

verb

British English

  • The shop was burglar-alarmed after the break-in.
  • They decided to burglar-alarm the whole estate.

American English

  • The store was burglar-alarmed following the robbery.
  • We need to burglar-alarm the cabin.

adverb

British English

  • It was protected burglar-alarm securely. (very rare/awkward)

American English

  • The house was fitted burglar-alarm thoroughly. (very rare/awkward)

adjective

British English

  • He works in the burglar-alarm industry.
  • A burglar-alarm installation van was outside.

American English

  • She sells burglar-alarm systems.
  • The burglar-alarm technician arrived.

Examples

By CEFR Level

A2
  • My house has a burglar alarm.
  • The burglar alarm is very loud.
B1
  • We set the burglar alarm every night before bed.
  • The burglar alarm went off by accident and scared the cat.
B2
  • Installing a modern burglar alarm can reduce your home insurance premium significantly.
  • The police responded quickly because the silent burglar alarm had alerted the security company.
C1
  • Despite the sophisticated burglar alarm system, the thieves managed to disable it by cutting the power line.
  • The metaphorical burglar alarm in her mind started ringing when she noticed the inconsistencies in his story.

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think: A BURGLAR would be ALARMED to find one installed.

Conceptual Metaphor

GUARDIAN; a sentinel that 'watches' over property.

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

  • Avoid direct calque 'грабительская тревога'. The correct translation is 'сигнализация (от взлома)' or 'охранная сигнализация'. 'Тревога' is more for general alarm/warning.

Common Mistakes

  • Incorrectly using 'burglary alarm' (less common). Omitting the article: 'We need install burglar alarm' instead of 'a burglar alarm'. Using plural incorrectly: 'burglars alarm'.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap
For safety, we decided to a burglar alarm in our new flat.
Multiple Choice

What is the most likely result if a burglar alarm is activated?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

No, it can be used for any building, vehicle, or even a specific room (e.g., a safe).

A burglar alarm detects break-ins and intrusions. A fire alarm detects smoke or heat from a fire. They are different systems, though sometimes integrated.

Yes, but it's less common and somewhat informal (e.g., 'We should burglar-alarm the office'). The more standard phrasing is 'install a burglar alarm'.

You say 'the burglar alarm went off' (meaning it started sounding). 'Went on' would imply it was turned on, not that it activated.