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

The ShakeAlert system that warns about imminent shaking arriving from earthquakes sent a false alarm across California on Thursday morning for a magnitude 5.9 temblor that did not happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 22, 2025

And though the Aukus review was a scare it was ultimately a false alarm.

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

What’s a red flag, what’s a false alarm and what’s already a five alarm fire.

From Slate • Jan. 25, 2025

Unsurprisingly, Mr. Weasley found, upon arrival at Mr. Moody’s heavily guarded house, that Mr. Moody had once again raised a false alarm.

From "Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire" by J. K. Rowling