anaphylactic shock

noun

: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen (such as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

Examples of anaphylactic shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

First, the moldy and rotting month-old pumpkin sends Franklin into anaphylactic shock. —Louis Peitzman, Vulture, 24 Oct. 2024

By Sarah Zhang Tami McGraw used to be so allergic to red meat that even fumes from cooking might send her into anaphylactic shock. —Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2024

In January, a 25-year-old with a nut allergy died of anaphylactic shock after eating cookies that didn’t list peanuts on the label, and last year, a man from Texas died after eating a taco that didn’t list peanut butter as an ingredient. —Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2024

More severe cases of anaphylaxis, known as anaphylactic shock, include difficulty breathing, extreme swelling, dizziness, and a rapid weak pulse. —American College Of Lifestyle Medicine, EverydayHealth.com, 15 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

anaphylactic shock

noun

: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon a second exposure to a specific antigen (as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives