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 tick can also cause alpha-gal syndrome, an allergic reaction to red meat. — Eva Flowe, Charlotte Observer, 11 Aug. 2026

The side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine are generally on par with other vaccines, including tenderness at the injection site and a small chance of allergic reaction. — Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA Today, 6 Aug. 2026

Following sensitization triggered by tick bites, however, the immune response can shift toward the production of IgE antibodies, resulting in an allergic reaction upon subsequent exposure to alpha-gal. — Encyclopedia Britannica, 5 Aug. 2026

The records also included strokes, seizures, bleeding, injuries, allergic reactions and heart problems. — Vera Lucia Pappaterra, Miami Herald, 5 Aug. 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