allergy

al·ler·gy

noun \ˈa-lər-jē\

plural al·ler·gies

Definition of ALLERGY

1

: altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure <a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal>

2

: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual

3

: medical practice concerned with allergies

4

: a feeling of antipathy or aversion

Examples of ALLERGY

1. Many people have some form of allergy.
2. <independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government>

Origin of ALLERGY

German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work

First Known Use: 1910

Related to ALLERGY

Synonyms: dislike, averseness, aversion, disfavor, disinclination, disliking, disrelish, down [chiefly British], mislike

Antonyms: appetite, favor, fondness, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use

Related Words: disgust, distaste, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; abhorrence, abomination, antipathy, detestation, execration, hate, hatred; deprecation, disapproval, displeasure, dissatisfaction; jaundice

Near Antonyms: affection, attachment, devotedness, devotion, love, passion; bent, leaning, penchant, predilection, propensity, tendency

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