sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The World Health Organization has labeled sepsis a threat to global health, and the economic impact of just this one condition amounts to an average 2.7% of a nation’s health care costs, according to a 2022 study. —Michael L. Millenson, Forbes.com, 22 May 2025

As a result, Darin developed sepsis, which further strained his health. —Jordan Runtagh, People.com, 22 May 2025

Symptoms may include more intense and widespread abdominal pain, high fever, chills, and signs of sepsis, such as rapid heart rate and low blood pressure.9 Complicated appendicitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate intervention. —Brandi Jones, Health, 17 May 2025

Smith subsequently contracted sepsis – a life-threatening response by the body to infection that can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death – and nearly had to have his leg amputated. —Ben Church, CNN Money, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sepsis

• antisepsis
• asepsis

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia