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 of allergic

• 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

In rare cases, patients may experience more severe effects, such as liver issues, allergic reactions, trouble breathing and mental health effects. —Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 7 Jan. 2026

And the Merino wool is nice and soft, even for people like me who are allergic to traditional wool. —New Atlas, 5 Jan. 2026

The bill directs the agency to review the costs and benefits of adding new medications and equipment to emergency medical kits, including whether their contents can adequately treat opioid overdose and anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction. —Tushara Surapaneni, Chicago Tribune, 4 Jan. 2026

Histamine is a chemical the immune system releases in response to allergens, triggering an allergic reaction. —Merve Ceylan, Health, 4 Jan. 2026

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