anaphylactic shock

noun

: 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

Examples of anaphylactic shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web By Sarah Zhang Tami McGraw used to be so allergic to red meat that even fumes from cooking might send her into anaphylactic shock. Sarah Zhang, The Atlantic, 9 Sep. 2024 In January, a 25-year-old with a nut allergy died of anaphylactic shock after eating cookies that didn’t list peanuts on the label, and last year, a man from Texas died after eating a taco that didn’t list peanut butter as an ingredient. Cara Lynn Shultz, Peoplemag, 12 Aug. 2024 More severe cases of anaphylaxis, known as anaphylactic shock, include difficulty breathing, extreme swelling, dizziness, and a rapid weak pulse. American College Of Lifestyle Medicine, EverydayHealth.com, 15 July 2024 But don’t worry, none of these allergies are that serious — no one’s going into anaphylactic shock, the primary’s pickleball pal Jill Zarin assures Anthony. Molly Fitzpatrick, Vulture, 1 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for anaphylactic shock 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'anaphylactic shock.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaphylactic shock was in 1909

Dictionary Entries Near anaphylactic shock

Cite this Entry

“Anaphylactic shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaphylactic%20shock. Accessed 22 Oct. 2024.

Medical Definition

anaphylactic shock

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

More from Merriam-Webster on anaphylactic shock

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