anaphylactic shock

noun

Updated on: 17 Mar 2018

Definition of anaphylactic shock

: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen (such as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

Recent Examples of anaphylactic shock from the Web

Some law enforcement officials surmised that Richardson, who suffered from bipolar disorder, walked into the canyon, took off her clothes and succumbed to anaphylactic shock from extensive poison oak exposure.

— alexander nazaryan, Newsweek, "Lie and Deny: Secrecy and Suspicion Surround the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department," 21 Apr. 2016
So fingers crossed the only thing inaccurate about these findings is the price, because nobody should have to go bankrupt trying to prevent anaphylactic shock.

— chloe metzger, Marie Claire, "The First-Ever Pill for Peanut Allergies Is Coming," 21 Feb. 2018
Tom has to inject himself with his EpiPen, goes into anaphylactic shock, and then collapses.

— jackie frere, Redbook, "Parents Are Not Happy About an Offensive Scene in Peter Rabbit," 12 Feb. 2018
The rabbits pelt the younger Mr. McGregor with the berries and one goes into his mouth, causing him to go into anaphylactic shock and administer an EpiPen to himself.

— hallie detrick, Fortune, "Parents Are Saying Peter Rabbit Is an 'Allergy Bully'," 12 Feb. 2018
There's nothing funny about anaphylactic shock, even when it's caused by a cute little bunny, according to a group of concerned parents and allergy activists.

— kiara alfonseca /, NBC News, "Sony apologizes as 'Peter Rabbit' movie makes parents hopping mad," 12 Feb. 2018
The American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology (AAAAI) cautions that patients may experience swelling at the injection site, increased allergy symptoms, or, in a worst-care scenario, anaphylactic shock.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "Everything You Need to Know About Allergy Shots," 18 Oct. 2017
Don't worry—going into anaphylactic shock after getting an allergy shot is extremely rare, says Dr. Mainardi.

— nina bahadur, SELF, "Everything You Need to Know About Allergy Shots," 18 Oct. 2017
There is no test, treatment or cure for AFE, which is akin to the anaphylactic shock some people develop from bee stings or peanuts.

— betsy mckay and paul overberg, WSJ, "Rural America’s Childbirth Crisis: The Fight to Save Whitney Brown," 16 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anaphylactic shock.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of anaphylactic shock

1909

Medical Dictionary