Alarmist - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
An alarmist is someone who exaggerates dangers or spreads unnecessary fear, often by predicting worst-case scenarios. The term is used to criticize overly pessimistic or panicked reactions.
Definition:
Someone who exaggerates dangers or spreads unnecessary fear.
Synonyms:
fearmonger, scaremonger, panic-monger, sensationalist
Part of Speech:
noun, adjective
Antonyms:
calm person, realist, optimist
Common Collocations:
alarmist rhetoric, alarmist warnings, alarmist headlines, alarmist tone
Derivatives:
alarmism, alarmistically
Usage Tips:
Use "alarmist" to describe exaggerated warnings; avoid labeling cautious people as such unfairly.
Common Phrases:
crying wolf, spreading panic, sounding the alarm
Etymology:
Derived from "alarm," from Italian "all'arme" (to arms), with "-ist" suffix indicating a person.
Examples:
- 1. The media often labels critics as alarmist without evidence.
- 2. Her alarmist predictions about the storm caused unnecessary panic.
- 3. Don’t be an alarmist—wait for facts before reacting.
- 4. Politicians accused him of being an alarmist to dismiss his concerns.