A thing or occurrence which initially causes fear, distress, etc. but which is subsequently recognized as being no cause for concern.
A warning signal (such as the call of sentry, the ringing of a bell, or the shriek of a siren) which turns out to have been given erroneously.
A state of agitation or worry.
Failure of an exploding nuclear bomb to meet its expected yield during testing.
An abortive effort; a flop or dud.
A spluttering or hissing sound.
To fail to generate the expected yield when exploded during testing.
To decay or die off to nothing; to burn out; to end less successfully than previously hoped.
To sputter or hiss.