tachyphylaxis

[ tak-uh-fi-lak-sis ]

noun

1. Medicine/Medical. immediate, temporary immunization against the effects of injection of a toxic extract owing to previous small injections of the same extract.
2. a decreased response to a medicine given over a period of time so that larger doses are required to produce the same response.

tachyphylaxis

/ ˌtækɪfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

1. very rapid development of tolerance or immunity to the effects of a drug

Other Words From

• tach·y·phy·lac·tic [tak-, uh, -fi-, lak, -tik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tachyphylaxis¹

tachy- + Greek phýlaxis a guarding, equivalent to phylak- (stem of phylássein to guard) + -sis -sis

Word History and Origins

Origin of tachyphylaxis¹

New Latin, from tachy- + phylaxis on the model of prophylaxis. See prophylactic

Example Sentences

Some refer to it by its medical term, tachyphylaxis.

From US News

Past depressive episodes. Even patients who regularly take their antidepressants and check in with their doctors aren't immune to tachyphylaxis.

From US News

Experts say they have theories – but no definite evidence – as to why tachyphylaxis occurs.

From US News

Hamburger, cauliflower and walnuts do not cause tachyphylaxis, physical dependency and withdrawal, which are the hallmarks of addiction.

From Scientific American