septic

American  

[sep-tik] / ˈsɛp tɪk /

adjective

1. Pathology.

   1. relating to, caused by, or affected by sepsis or infection.

      Adequate and prompt antibiotic therapy is essential for a septic patient.

      She was admitted to the hospital with septic shock.

   2. causing sepsis or infection.

      If care is not taken, there is the potential for introducing septic agents through injection.

2. relating to or designed for the treatment of sewage by anaerobic bacteria.

   The rural property, just shy of three acres, is on a private well and septic system.

   Contamination of the bay may be a result of insufficient septic drainfields or faulty sewer lines or pumping stations.

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noun

Informal.

1. a septic tank or septic system.

   They were able to get to my house the next day, drain the septic, and fix the sump pump.

   Here’s what to do if your septic is leaking.

septic British  

/ sɛpˈtɪsɪtɪ, ˈsɛptɪk /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or caused by sepsis

2. of, relating to, or caused by putrefaction

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noun

1. informal short for septic tank

Other Word Forms

• nonseptic adjective
• septically adverb
• septicity noun

Etymology

Origin of septic

First recorded in 1595–1605; from Latin sēpticus, from Greek sēptikós, from sēpt(ós) “rotted” (from sḗpein “to make rotten”; sepsis ( def. ) ) + -ikos -ic

Compare meaning

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

• septic vs. aseptic

Example Sentences

The Polish patients' rights ombudsman also found that Izabela's rights had been violated, and recommended new protocols for septic shock and for situations posing threats to a woman's health.

From Barron's • Mar. 3, 2026

"When sepsis is not recognized early and managed promptly, it can lead to septic shock, multiple organ failure and death," Distinguished Professor von Itzstein said.

From Science Daily • Jan. 30, 2026

She recorded a narrative conclusion, and said he died following a cardiac arrest due to septic shock.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 2026

City officials in December said the advanced septic systems were no longer required, after determining advice to do so from the state was incorrect.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 6, 2026

The rolling hills, once perfect lakes of snow, were dotted with mangled trucks and rusted septic tanks.

From "Educated" by Tara Westover

Related Words

• dangerous
• deadly
• destructive
• fatal
• lethal
• noxious
• pernicious
• toxic
• venomous
• vicious
• virulent