sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

While some bacteria is harmless, some E coli can make people sick with a wide range of issues, including diarrhea, urinary tract infections, pneumonia, sepsis, and other illnesses. —Tracy Wright, FOXNews.com, 2 Sep. 2025

In order to diagnose ARDS, doctors have to observe many factors, such as oxygen levels, chest X-rays, and whether the patient has another condition such as sepsis or pneumonia that is known to trigger ARDS. —Katherine Weaver, Chicago Tribune, 28 Aug. 2025

Once sepsis has been recognized, the goal is to start treatment – within the first hour – while applying sound medical judgement to each case. —Cara Lynn Shultz, People.com, 28 Aug. 2025

Both men in 2024 were quickly hospitalized and diagnosed with sepsis. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sepsis

• antisepsis
• asepsis

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia