allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈa-lər-jē 

plural allergies

1

: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure

a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal

2

: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual

3

: medical practice concerned with allergies

4

: a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Synonyms

• averseness
• aversion
• disfavor
• disinclination
• dislike
• disliking
• disrelish
• down [chiefly British]
• mislike

Examples of allergy in a Sentence

Many people have some form of allergy.

independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government

Recent Examples on the Web

Because of their thick skin, testing for skin allergies was not possible, but the zoo performed blood allergy tests. —Jen McCaffery, Discover Magazine, 14 Nov. 2024

In severe cases, a soy allergy can cause anaphylaxis, a potentially life-threatening reaction that hinders breathing and can cause blood pressure to drop dangerously low, limiting blood flow to vital organs. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

However, these are not a good option for individuals with a latex allergy. Hybrid Hybrid mattresses combine innerspring and foam layers for a supportive, soft feel. —Macy Alcido, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

Diagnosis and treatment are usually led by a dermatologist (medical doctor specializing in conditions of the skin, hair, and nails) who can perform allergy testing and guide treatment. —Mark Gurarie, Verywell Health, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergy

• allergy shot
• anti-allergy

Kids Definition

allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē 

plural allergies

1

: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people

2

: a feeling of dislike

Medical Definition

allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē 

plural allergies

1

: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure

his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal

2

: exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual

3

: medical practice concerned with allergies