sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (such as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare septicemia

Examples of sepsis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But when sepsis develops, the body's defensive measures spiral out of control, triggering widespread inflammation, abnormal blood clotting and leaky blood vessels. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 25 Sep. 2025

The serious bacterial infection caused bacterial meningitis, which led to sepsis. —Raven Brunner, PEOPLE, 21 Sep. 2025

Children determined high risk are prioritized for immediate treatment, which can include a sepsis bundle — IV antimicrobials, fluids and oxygen. —Brian Simpson, NPR, 19 Sep. 2025

This includes that elevated blood sugar levels lead to impaired immune function and individuals with diabetes are also more prone to specific types of infections like urinary tract infections, skin infections and pneumonia that can readily escalate into sepsis. —Hannah Millington, MSNBC Newsweek, 16 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek sēpsis decay, from sēpein to putrefy

First Known Use

1863, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sepsis

• antisepsis
• asepsis

Medical Definition

sepsis

noun

sep·​sis ˈsep-səs 

plural sepses ˈsep-ˌsēz 

: a potentially life-threatening, systemic response of the immune system that results from the spread of pathogenic agents (as bacteria or viruses) and their toxins to the bloodstream from a localized infection (as of the lungs), that involves both inflammatory and immunosuppressive activity, and that is marked especially by fever, chills, rapid heart rate and breathing, fatigue, confusion, increased blood coagulation, hypotension, impaired microcirculation, and organ dysfunction, and that may progress to septic shock

Note: The primary cause of sepsis is pneumonia with secondary causes commonly including infections of the abdominal cavity and urinary tract.

compare multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, septicemia