allarmtum

Allarmtum is a neologism that has appeared in some German-language discussions to denote a prolonged state of heightened alert or concern in response to perceived threats. The word is built from Allarm (alarm) and the abstract-noun suffix -tum, following a pattern seen in other German terms that express a condition or state. Its linguistic status is informal; it is not widely recognized in major dictionaries or corpora, and usage remains limited to niche or online contexts.

Etymology and scope are debated. Proponents describe allarmtum as a cultural or societal condition in which media framing, political discourse, and social networks sustain vigilance well beyond an initial risk. Critics warn that the term may blur the line between legitimate risk perception and overreaction, panic, or alarm fatigue. Some writers compare allarmtum with alarm fatigue, which refers to diminished responsiveness after repeated exposure to warnings, and with moral panic, which emphasizes collective overreaction.

Contexts and examples of use vary. Discussions of climate threats, public health issues, or security concerns may invoke allarmtum to explain persistent policy demands or continuous public mobilization. However, due to sparse attestation, the term’s precise definition, scope, and criteria for measurement are unsettled, and its boundaries with related concepts remain unclear.

See also: Alarmism, Risk perception, Alarm fatigue, Moral panic.