red alert: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

'Red alert' often implies a pre-defined, official highest level within a specific warning system (like military DEFCON). 'High alert' is more general, indicating a state of heightened vigilance but not necessarily the top of a formal scale.

Yes, but only figuratively and often humorously or hyperbolically (e.g., 'My bank account is on red alert after that holiday'). In serious personal contexts, terms like 'crisis' or 'emergency' are more common.

It originates from military and naval alert systems, where a colour code (White, Yellow, Red, etc.) indicated the level of perceived threat and readiness. It was widely popularised by the Cold War and science fiction (like Star Trek).

It is a compound noun, written as two separate words: 'red alert'. It is sometimes hyphenated ('red-alert') when used as a modifier before a noun (e.g., 'red-alert status').

A state of extreme readiness or warning, typically due to an immediate and serious threat.

Red alert is usually formal, official, military, emergency services, journalism; also used figuratively in everyday contexts. in register.

Red alert: in British English it is pronounced /ˌred əˈlɜːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌrɛd əˈlɜrt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.