allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈa-lər-jē 

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

Synonyms

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

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

The device is hypoallergenic for those with sensitive skin or allergies. —Lindsay Modglin, Verywell Health, 8 Apr. 2024

And nip allergy season in the bud with this best-selling Levoit air purifier. —Clara McMahon, Peoplemag, 6 Apr. 2024

Business Insider - Some companies in Japan are offering employees money to work remotely from other parts of the country during hay fever season to escape the symptoms of their allergies. —Paige McGlauflin, Fortune, 5 Apr. 2024

Since 1970, allergy season has grown longer due to a warming climate. —USA TODAY, 4 Apr. 2024

Unsurprisingly, fish oil supplements contain fish and aren’t suitable for kids with seafood allergies. —Isabel Vasquez, Rd, Ldn, Parents, 4 Apr. 2024

Approximately 1 in 7 dogs suffer from allergies that contribute to dry, itchy skin. —Amber Smith, Discover Magazine, 3 Apr. 2024

If there’s any chance someone with an almond allergy will eat these, return them to the store for a full refund or throw them in the garbage. —David J. Neal, Miami Herald, 3 Apr. 2024

The same was true for last year's allergy season, when several regions of the U.S. experienced springtime conditions weeks early, forcing spring allergy sufferers to deal with symptoms sooner and longer than usual. —Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all- all- + -ergie, in Energie energy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"

Note: The term was introduced, along with allergisch allergic and Allergen allergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergy

• allergy shot
• anti-allergy

Kids Definition

allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē 

plural allergies

1

: exaggerated or abnormal reaction (as by sneezing, itching, or rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that do not have such a strong effect on most people

2

: a feeling of dislike

Medical Definition

allergy

noun

al·​ler·​gy ˈal-ər-jē 

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