anaphylactic shock

American  

noun

1. Pathology. a severe and sometimes fatal allergic reaction to a foreign substance, especially a protein, as serum or bee venom, to which an individual has become sensitized, often involving rapid swelling, acute respiratory distress, and collapse of circulation.

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anaphylactic shock British  

noun

1. a severe, sometimes fatal, reaction to a substance to which a person has an extreme sensitivity, often involving respiratory difficulty and circulation failure

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anaphylactic shock Scientific  

/ ăn′ə-fə-lăk′tĭk /

1. A sudden, life-threatening allergic reaction, characterized by dilation of blood vessels with a sharp drop in blood pressure and bronchial spasm with shortness of breath. Anaphylactic shock is caused by exposure to a foreign substance, such as a drug or bee venom, to which the individual has been previously exposed. The substances act as antigens, provoking a preliminary immune response during the first exposure that results in a full-blown, immediate response during secondary exposure, called an immediate hypersensitivity reaction. Emergency treatment, including epinephrine injections, must be administered to prevent death.

2. Also called anaphylaxis

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Etymology

Origin of anaphylactic shock

First recorded in 1905–10

Compare meaning

How does anaphylactic-shock compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anaphylaxis vs. anaphylactic shock

Example Sentences

Such reactions can range from responses with “no clinical manifestations” to irritating rashes to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock, which constricts breathing and impairs motor function.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

“I was willing to risk anaphylactic shock for $7,000,” he once wrote there.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 14, 2025

The 53-year-old began to recognise the symptoms of anaphylactic shock, as staff at her school had been trained to spot them and to use an adrenalin pen in emergencies.

From BBC • Oct. 10, 2024

They found that in their preclinical model, they were able to effectively prevent anaphylactic shock with this drug.

From Science Daily • Jun. 4, 2024

He didn’t think it was any more dangerous than playing with millions of stinging insects and risking anaphylactic shock.

From "Bone Gap" by Laura Ruby