allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

2

: having an aversion

allergic to work

Synonyms

• afraid
• reluctant
• opposed
• opposing
• averse

Examples of allergic in a Sentence

a lover of the outdoors who claims to be allergic to desk jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

Anyone who has had significant allergic reactions to the flu or other vaccines in the past should talk to a health care provider before getting the shot. —Claire Bugos, Verywell Health, 16 Sep. 2025

Every awards show seems to be allergic to actually showing clips of the actors and projects that are nominated, and this year’s Emmys were no different. —Nicholas Quah, Vulture, 15 Sep. 2025

Anyone concerned about an allergic reaction is encouraged to contact a healthcare provider. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 14 Sep. 2025

Colorado capped the cost of insulin and epinephrine shots to treat severe allergic reactions in state plans, but couldn’t require the same for plans the state doesn’t oversee. —Meg Wingerter, Denver Post, 14 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

allergy + -ic entry 1, after German allergisch

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergic

• allergic rhinitis
• anti-allergic

Rhymes for allergic

• lysergic
• glutamatergic

Kids Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

an allergic reaction

2

: having a dislike for something

allergic to hard work

Medical Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by allergy

an allergic reaction

allergic diseases

2

: affected with allergy : subject to an allergic reaction

he is allergic to pollen

allergically

ə-ˈlər-ji-k(ə-)lē

adverb

The body reacts allergically, the skin reddening and breaking out in tiny blisters.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News