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

In 2018, Frankel, who suffers from a rare fish allergy, went into anaphylactic shock and spent several days in the ICU after eating soup that unknowingly contained fish flakes. —Vivian Kwarm, Mercury News, 23 Jan. 2026

There, a patient experienced anaphylactic shock and cardiac arrest following an IV infusion of thiamine. —Adam Cohen, Oklahoman, 13 Jan. 2026

They had each been stung dozens of times and were in severe anaphylactic shock, Yianouchongteng said. —Sam Gillette, PEOPLE, 6 Nov. 2025

Letícia Paul, who had recently earned her law degree and was pursuing postgraduate studies in real estate and business law, went into anaphylactic shock moments after receiving an iodinated contrast dye, Jam Press reported. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 25 Aug. 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