I saw this sign on the door of a church in Melbourne, Australia. I had to take a picture. How can an area be "alarmed"? "To be alarmed" is an emotion, which only living beings can feel, not physical locations. At least that is what I thought before I found this definition from Oxford:
verb
1 [with object] make (someone) feel frightened, disturbed, or in danger:
the government was alarmed by an outbreak of unrest
2 (be alarmed) be fitted or protected with an alarm:
this door is locked and alarmed between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m.
So apparently, the church staff was correct. But, to the average person who knows some English, it can be funny, or alarming! (pun intended) This sign was not Australian English, but proper use of the word.
In short, it pays to be curious about language. I learned something new today!
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