French word

alerte

Pronunciation

IPA/alɛʁt/

Meaning

  • feminine nounalert

Example

Une alerte a été déclenchée ce matin.

An alert was triggered this morning.

Illustration for alerte (alert)

More examples

Une alerte météo a été émise pour prévenir des habitants d'un risque d'inondation.

A weather alert was issued to warn residents of a risk of flooding.

Core concept

A phone screen, siren, or public notice carrying a short urgent message about a specific danger.

Common phrases

  • alerte météo

    weather alert

  • alerte rouge

    red alert

  • alerte incendie

    fire alarm

Similar words

attention: A short call or visual notice used to draw attention.
alarme: A warning sound, device, or signal produced by such a device.
avertissement: An advance notice of possible danger or trouble.
signal: A sign or signal that draws attention or prompts action.

Definition in French

Avertissement public bref, audible ou visible, destiné à prévenir la population d'un danger précis et urgent.

Word origin

French alerte was borrowed from Italian all'erta, originally used as a call to remain watchful before becoming a noun.

Usage tips

  • Alerte usually concerns a serious immediate danger, while attention can mark ordinary caution and avertissement can be a broader warning.

Other meanings

  • warningnoun
  • advisorynoun

Related words

Word lists with this word