allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

2

: having an aversion

allergic to work

Synonyms of allergic

• afraid
• reluctant
• opposed
• opposing
• averse

Examples of allergic in a Sentence

a lover of the outdoors who claims to be allergic to desk jobs

Recent Examples on the Web

The most common issue was irritant contact dermatitis, or non-allergic skin inflammation—this surfaced in 42% of patients. — Korin Miller, Allure, 7 Oct. 2026

On location for the night shoots, blizzards, and allergic reactions that went into making Primetime. — Sinna Nasseri, Vulture, 5 Oct. 2026

The sting can be fatal for humans in cases of an allergic reaction, the study says. — Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 5 Oct. 2026

The sugar, found in most mammals but not in humans, prompts the antibodies that trigger an allergic reaction. — Bob Drogin, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

allergy + -ic entry 1, after German allergisch

Note: See note at allergy.

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing allergic

• allergic rhinitis
• anti-allergic

Rhymes for allergic

• glutamatergic

Kids Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, affected with, or caused by allergy

an allergic reaction

2

: having a dislike for something

allergic to hard work

Medical Definition

allergic

adjective

al·​ler·​gic ə-ˈlər-jik 

1

: of, relating to, or characterized by allergy

an allergic reaction

allergic diseases

2

: affected with allergy : subject to an allergic reaction

he is allergic to pollen

allergically

ə-ˈlər-ji-k(ə-)lē

adverb

The body reacts allergically, the skin reddening and breaking out in tiny blisters.

—Paul G. Donohue, The Springfield (Massachusetts) Union-News