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

Further, xylazine is associated with necrotic skin wounds that increase risk of sepsis, and withdrawal syndromes that are more complex to treat than opioids alone. — Dr. Shravani Durbhakula, Time, 1 Nov. 2026

One woman, who asked to remain anonymous for fear of retaliation from the nursing home, claimed her mother ended up contracting sepsis and nearly died because staff neglected to oversee her needs. — Livi Stanford, Hartford Courant, 27 Oct. 2026

This weekend has already seen a lot of beautiful moments of remembrance for Busch, the 41-year-old all-time great driver who died in May after his severe pneumonia progressed into sepsis. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 11 Oct. 2026

That April, Perera fell ill with sepsis and was admitted to the hospital. — Joe Rubin, Sacbee.com, 8 Oct. 2026

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