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al·ler·gy | \ ˈa-lər-jē 
\
\ plural allergies
Definition of allergy
1 : altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2 : exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3 : medical practice concerned with allergies
4 : a feeling of antipathy or aversion
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Synonyms & Antonyms for allergy
Synonyms
- averseness,
- aversion,
- disfavor,
- disinclination,
- dislike,
- disliking,
- disrelish,
- down
- [chiefly British],
- mislike
Antonyms
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Examples of allergy in a Sentence
Many people have some form of allergy.
independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the Web There's no need to pay more for grain-free treats unless your dog has a legitimate allergy.
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Lauren Corona, chicagotribune.com, "The best calming dog treat," 9 Sep. 2020 For allergy sufferers, and those who love a firm pillow, memory foam is a great alternative to down.
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Tanya Edwards, CNN Underscored, "The best pillows for every type of sleeper," 14 Aug. 2020 Nestle SA agreed to buy Aimmune Therapeutics Inc. for $2.6 billion, adding a promising peanut allergy treatment to its portfolio of coffee, snacks and water.
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Thomas Mulier, Bloomberg.com, "Nestle Bets $2.6 Billion on Aimmune’s Peanut Allergy Treatment," 31 Aug. 2020 Aimmune shares closed Friday at $12.60, near a four-year low due to the company’s struggles to launch its Palforzia peanut allergy treatment during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Adam Feuerstein, STAT, "Aimmune Therapeutics, maker of peanut allergy treatment, will be acquired by Nestle," 31 Aug. 2020 The first allergy sneeze will cause a panicked stampede for home.
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Daniel Lee, National Review, "Roads to Ruin," 30 Aug. 2020 This rise in pollen levels can lead to worsening allergy symptoms.
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Neelu Tummala, Scientific American, "What Climate Change Does to the Human Body," 29 Aug. 2020 Allergies happen when your immune system overreacts to an otherwise harmless substance, leading to allergy symptoms.
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Korin Miller, SELF, "Here's Exactly How to Know If You’re Allergic to Latex Condoms," 24 Aug. 2020 Be sure to check the expiration dates for pain relievers, allergy medications, eye-care solutions and vitamins.
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Laura Daily, Washington Post, "Buying in bulk can save you money or it can waste money. Here’s how to do it right.," 20 Aug. 2020
See MoreThese example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'allergy.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for allergy
allergy
nounEnglish Language Learners Definition of allergy
: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people
See the full definition for allergy in the English Language Learners Dictionary
allergy
nounal·ler·gy | \ ˈa-lər-jē \
\ plural allergies
Kids Definition of allergy
: a condition in which a person is made sick by something that is harmless to most people
allergy
nounal·ler·gy | \ ˈal-ər-jē \
\ plural allergies
Medical Definition of allergy
1 : altered bodily reactivity (as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
his bee-venom allergy may render a second sting fatal
2 : exaggerated or pathological reaction (as by sneezing, respiratory embarrassment, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
3 : medical practice concerned with allergies
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Comments on allergy
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Time Traveler for allergy
The first known use of allergy was in 1908
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