The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 5 letter word ALARM
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
A
L
A
R
M
More clues leading to the result ALARM
- Warning a member about lake
- Panic, grabbed by fanatical army
- In the wings before minute’s warning?
- Panic US city raised over weapon
- Frightening sort of clock
- Left wing touching front of aircraft, panic
- Panic relating to wings at front of mansion
- Fear internalised by international army
- A large branch gets a wake-up call
- Every other bit of Paul hairy: my fear!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "warning" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case warning = alarm.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does ALARM mean?
ALARM noun- A summons to arms, as on the approach of an enemy.
- Any sound or information intended to give notice of approaching danger; a warning sound to arouse attention; a warning of danger.
- A sudden attack; disturbance.
- Sudden surprise with fear or terror excited by apprehension of danger; in the military use, commonly, sudden apprehension of being attacked by surprise.
- A mechanical device for awaking people, or rousing their attention.
- An instance of an alarm ringing, beeping or clanging, to give a noise signal at a certain time.
- To call to arms for defense
- To give (someone) notice of approaching danger
- To rouse to vigilance and action; to put on the alert.
- To surprise with apprehension of danger; to fill with anxiety in regard to threatening evil; to excite with sudden fear.
- To keep in excitement; to disturb.