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

Suiter added that people who have adverse reactions to bee and ant stings are especially vulnerable and could go into anaphylactic shock from the needle ant's sting. —Stephen Smith, CBS News, 10 June 2025

Reactions can range from mildly annoying symptoms to life-threatening reactions including anaphylactic shock, which can cause multiple organs to fail. —Mary Kekatos, ABC News, 6 May 2025

Summer has been kidnapped, sent into anaphylactic shock by a peanut-laced kiss, played accomplice to a cop killer, committed bribery, grand theft auto, and much more. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 1 May 2025

Among the most severe of food allergies are those involving peanuts, many of which can cause anaphylactic shock, possibly leading to hospitalization or even death. —Madison Dapcevich, Discover Magazine, 25 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for anaphylactic shock

• aftershock
• antiknock
• arawak
• hollyhock
• interlock
• isopach
• manioc
• shuttlecock
• tomahawk
• weathercock
• alcock
• beanstalk

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