allergy

American  

[al-er-jee] / ˈæl ər dʒi /

noun

plural

allergies

1. an abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.

2. hypersensitivity to the reintroduction of an allergen.

3. Informal. a strong dislike or aversion, as toward a person or activity.

   He has an allergy to hard work.

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allergy British  

/ ˈælədʒɪ /

noun

1. a hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen

2. informal aversion

   he has an allergy to studying

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allergy Scientific  

/ ăl′ər-jē /

1. An abnormally high immunologic sensitivity to certain stimuli such as drugs, foods, environmental irritants, microorganisms, or physical conditions, such as temperature extremes. These stimuli act as antigens, provoking an immunological response involving the release of inflammatory substances, such as histamine, in the body. Allergies may be innate or acquired in genetically predisposed individuals. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes, though in some individuals symptoms can be severe.

2. See also anaphylactic shock

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allergy Cultural  

1. A highly sensitive reaction of the body to certain substances, such as pollen, that are present in amounts that do not affect most people. Common indications of allergy include sneezing, skin rashes, itching, and runny nose.

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Etymology

Origin of allergy

1910–15; < Greek áll ( os ) other + -ergy < Greek -ergia, equivalent to érg ( on ) activity + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

“Mamdani getting allergy shots so Rama and he can get a cat is literally all the sweet things I need to hear to wake up to this morning,” one person wrote on X.

From The Wall Street Journal

If the person asks you to explain how it works, just pretend to trip, then throw yourself into the shrimp tower, yell something about a shellfish allergy, and run.

From Barron's

Mr. Cleveland had to clean up the mess and replace everybody’s stuff and pay for the blotched-up lady to get an allergy shot, so he was pretty mad.

From Literature

The deal gives GSK access to RAPT’s food allergy program, which could contribute to treating a large population with significant needs, including 17 million patients in the U.S., they write.

From The Wall Street Journal

She has cold urticaria, a rare allergy which can cause her to have a reaction to as little as a gust of cool wind in summer.

From BBC

Related Words

• hay fever