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

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body has an extreme reaction to an infection. —Janine Henni, PEOPLE, 26 Nov. 2025

Buckingham told the Star-Telegram by phone from his hospital bed Tuesday that he was initially diagnosed with systolic heart, kidney and liver failure brought on by pneumonia that turned into sepsis. —Fousia Abdullahi, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 26 Nov. 2025

Listeria is a dangerous bacterium that can cause severe illness, such as meningitis or sepsis, particularly in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, those with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women. —Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 25 Nov. 2025

One former inmate who nearly died of sepsis is fighting to save others. —Phaedra Trethan, USA Today, 20 Nov. 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