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

• antipathetic
• 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

When an allergic reaction is more severe, it is called anaphylaxis. —Jasmine Laws, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 May 2025

For severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), epinephrine is required for treatment. —Julie Marks, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025

Nadella, by contrast, seems broadly allergic to boomer-doomer metaphysics. —Benjamin Wallace-Wells, New Yorker, 19 May 2025

For example, William Higgens reported for the BBC on a case of a woman suffering a severe allergic reaction after using a nasal tanner. —Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes.com, 18 May 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