allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

2

: having an aversion

allergic to work

Synonyms of allergic

• afraid
• reluctant
• opposed
• opposing
• averse

Examples of allergic in a Sentence

a lover of the outdoors who claims to be allergic to desk jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

Like Colleen, Giurgis’ adaptation is allergic to the faintest traces of sincerity or urgency. —Patrick Ryan, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2026

Serious allergic reactions like anaphylaxis are reported in about 1 out of every 15 schools in the United States each year. —Dr. Sonja O'Leary, Boston Herald, 29 Mar. 2026

Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, and, in severe cases, anaphylaxis. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 29 Mar. 2026

Their home is huge and elegant, but also maze-like, miserable, and allergic to light. —Ben Travers, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

allergy + -ic entry 1, after German allergisch

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergic

• allergic rhinitis
• anti-allergic

Rhymes for allergic

• lysergic
• glutamatergic

Kids Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

an allergic reaction

2

: having a dislike for something

allergic to hard work

Medical Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by allergy

an allergic reaction

allergic diseases

2

: affected with allergy : subject to an allergic reaction

he is allergic to pollen

allergically

ə-ˈlər-ji-k(ə-)lē

adverb

The body reacts allergically, the skin reddening and breaking out in tiny blisters.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News