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

But at-risk people will have more serious symptoms, which may include sepsis and meningitis. —​wendy Wisner, Parents, 5 Nov. 2025

In rare cases, serious side effects can include bleeding problems, infections (like sepsis), kidney injury or blood clots in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), per the FDA’s prescribing information. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 4 Nov. 2025

Selph has also met with lawmakers to try and craft a mandatory sepsis protocol bill. —Ciara McCarthy 30, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 30 Oct. 2025

Pluralibacter gergoviae is a bacteria that has been linked to respiratory diseases, urinary tract infections, eye infections and sepsis, particularly in immunocompromised people, according to Melbec Microbiology, a microbiology testing company that specializes in cosmetics. —Toria Sheffield, PEOPLE, 26 Oct. 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