allergy

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noun al·ler·gy \ ˈa-lər-jē \

Definition of allergy

plural allergies

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

See allergy defined for English-language learners

See allergy defined for kids

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 of allergy from the Web

Walter Schaub, the former head of the Office of Government Ethics who resigned because of Trump’s allergy to ethical behavior, weighed in too.

— adam k. raymond, Daily Intelligencer, "Trump’s ‘USA’ Hat Criticized by Ethics Group and Those Who Don’t Like Ugly Hats," 30 Aug. 2017
A 2016 multiple-study review linked traffic pollution to asthma, pulmonary disease, eczema and even food allergies. 13.

— gemma tarlach, Discover Magazine, "20 Things You Didn't Know About ... Traffic," 7 Aug. 2017
Fexofenadine (brand name Allegra) is available as both prescription and OTC to relieve symptoms of seasonal allergies.

— kathy r. byrnes, Cincinnati.com, "Dr. says no grapefruit – Here’s why," 6 Aug. 2017
The team also tested patients undergoing an experimental treatment called oral immunotherapy to alleviate their peanut allergies.

— mitch leslie, Science | AAAS, "Got allergies? Scientists may have finally pinpointed the cells that trigger reactions," 2 Aug. 2017
They're touted as the next big superstar in disease prevention and in treatment for ailments such as irritable bowel syndrome, gestational diabetes, allergies and obesity.

— serena gordon, chicagotribune.com, "New diabetes treatment teaches rogue immune cells to behave," 17 July 2017
In addition to causing respiratory problems and allergies, fungi can cause infections and hasten the deterioration of materials.

— beth mole, Ars Technica, "In NASA simulation, people tote hardy, allergy-inducing molds to Mars," 12 July 2017
Tours can be modified for those with allergies and who have vegan or vegetarian dietary needs.

— hailey ross dana oland, idahostatesman, "Indulge in culinary tourism in Boise; celebrate Flying M’s 25th birthday," 6 July 2017
A meta-analysis of 36 studies from the United States and Europe found that tree nut allergies may affect between .05% and 4.9% of the population.

— SELF, "CLIF Bar Recalls Some Flavors Amid Nut Allergy Concerns," 6 July 2017

These 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.

Origin and Etymology of allergy

German Allergie, from all- + Greek ergon work — more at work

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1908

See Words from the same year

allergy Synonyms

Synonyms

dislike, averseness, aversion, disfavor, disinclination, disliking, disrelish, down [chiefly British], mislike

Antonyms

appetite, favor, fondness, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, shine, taste, use

Related Words

disgust, distaste, loathing, nausea, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; abhorrence, abomination, antipathy, detestation, execration, hate, hatred; deprecation, disapproval, displeasure, dissatisfaction; jaundice

Near Antonyms

affection, attachment, devotedness, devotion, love, passion; bent, leaning, penchant, predilection, propensity, tendency

ALLERGY Defined for English Language Learners

allergy

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noun

Definition of allergy for English Language Learners

: a medical condition that causes someone to become sick after eating, touching, or breathing something that is harmless to most people

ALLERGY Defined for Kids

allergy

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noun al·ler·gy \ ˈa-lər-jē \

Definition of allergy for Students

plural allergies

:a condition in which a person is made sick by something that is harmless to most people

Medical Dictionary

allergy

play

noun al·ler·gy \ ˈal-ər-jē \

medical Definition of allergy

plural allergies

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