| the first stage of the general adaptation syndrome, in which the body responds to stress by exhibiting shock. |

| alarm reaction n. The initial stage in the body's response to stressful stimuli, characterized by adaptive physiological changes, such as increased hormonal activity and increased heart rate. |
alarm reaction a·larm reaction (ə-lärm')
n.
The initial stage in the body's response to stressful stimuli, characterized by adaptive physiological changes, such as increased hormonal activity and increased heart rate.