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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
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Word History
First Known Use
1909, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of anaphylactic shock was
in 1909
Dictionary Entries Near anaphylactic shock
Cite this Entry
“Anaphylactic shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaphylactic%20shock. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on anaphylactic shock
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anaphylactic shock
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