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

Infections that lead to sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 18 May 2025

The 11-year-old Great Pyrenees-golden retriever mix developed sepsis in her stomach overnight. —Sophia Veneziano, USA Today, 22 Apr. 2025

Patients are given supportive treatment with fluids and oxygen, mechanical ventilation, and blood pressure support for sepsis. —Judy Stone, Forbes.com, 7 Apr. 2025

Although Joshua seemed healthy prior to the move, he was rushed to a hospital on Friday, March 28, and suffered a heart attack, sepsis and clogged arteries, his mother, Sylvia Johnson, previously told ABC affiliate WSB. —David Chiu, People.com, 4 Apr. 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