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 computer system that warns about the imminent arrival of shaking from earthquakes sent out a false alarm Thursday morning for a magnitude 5.9 temblor in Carson City, Nev., that did not actually happen.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 4, 2025

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

From BBC • Oct. 20, 2025

I see some information about cops scrambling, but an editor says it’s a false alarm and not to worry about it.

From Slate • Jun. 17, 2025

These orders were written up and posted on the tents, and the Boss let it be known that he might at any time give a false alarm as a drill.

From "Shipwreck at the Bottom of the World" by Jennifer Armstrong