fire alarm

• Dispositif qui émet un son fort pour avertir les personnes d'un incendie, ou ce son lui-même. S'emploie aussi au sens figuré pour désigner une situation urgente et soudaine ou un avertissement.

A device that makes a loud noise to warn people of a fire, or the sound itself. Also used figuratively to mean a sudden urgent situation or warning.

1. Warning deviceA2formal

   A device that makes a loud sound to warn people of a fire.

   avertisseur d'incendie

   • The fire alarm went off during the exam.
   • Please evacuate the building when you hear the fire alarm.
   • They tested the fire alarm system this morning.

2. False alarmB1informal

   A situation where the fire alarm sounds but there is no actual fire.

   fausse alerte incendie

   • It was just a false alarm; someone burned toast in the kitchen.
   • The fire alarm was triggered by steam from the shower.
   • Don't worry, it's a false alarm.