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

Nearly six percent of U.S. adults and eight percent of children have at least one food allergy, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 11 Jan. 2025

This causes a major concern for patient care because medical professionals cannot trust any of their digital files, which inform them of critical information such as drug allergies or existing conditions that are necessary for determining a safe care plan. —Chris Novak, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

Burton’s Grill, known for its dedication to serving those with allergies and dietary restrictions, offers a variety of dishes that can serve your needs. —Heidi Finley, Charlotte Observer, 8 Jan. 2025

Experts recommend healthier bread options, such as whole grain, which may help prevent the development of chronic health conditions, or gluten-free choices for people with either celiac disease or a gluten allergy. —Cristina Mutchler, Verywell Health, 6 Jan. 2025

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