: altered bodily reactivity (such as hypersensitivity) to an antigen in response to a first exposure
a bee venom allergy so severe that a second sting may be fatal
2
: exaggerated or pathological immunological reaction (as by sneezing, difficult breathing, itching, or skin rashes) to substances, situations, or physical states that are without comparable effect on the average individual
Many people have some form of allergy. independent-minded people who seem to have an allergy to any control from the government
Recent Examples on the WebGenerally, this happens when someone with a seasonal allergy has a reaction in their mouth and throat to a fruit or vegetable that contains a similar protein. Emilia Benton, Men's Health, 29 Aug. 2022 After living with a severe fungal allergy for about 40 years, Jill Fairweather is running out of treatment options. Aria Bendix, NBC News, 13 Aug. 2022 Whether the allergen is encountered directly on the skin surface – as is the case with a latex allergy – or ingested in the form of a food or medication, the body’s immune response includes the activation of histamines. Patricia A. Macculloch, The Conversation, 12 Aug. 2022 As a result, anyone with a wheat allergy or a condition like celiac disease is at risk of getting sick. Chris Smith, BGR, 10 Aug. 2022 The formula could benefit infants like 7-month-old Ensley Gendig, who has a dairy and soy allergy that makes finding the right formula challenging for parents Megan and Steven. Shari Rudavsky, The Indianapolis Star, 22 May 2022 This should only be done if no formula is available and the baby does not have a cow’s milk allergy or special dietary needs. Julie Washington, cleveland, 19 May 2022 Do not criticize or complain about the menu, decorations or overabundance of food (no one RSVPs anymore, and everyone has a different food allergy). Annie Lane, oregonlive, 9 May 2022 Imitation crab products can fail to list seafood ingredients accurately, increasing food safety and allergy risks, Healthline reports. Anna Kaufman, USA TODAY, 22 Aug. 2022 See More
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from German Allergie "heightened reaction to an antigen to which an individual has been previously exposed," from all-all- + -ergie, in Energieenergy, or directly from its source, Greek -ergeia, taken to mean "action, response"
Note: The term was introduced, along with allergischallergic and Allergenallergen, by the German physician Clemens Peter Freiherr von Pirquet (1874-1929) in "Allergie," Münchener medizinische Wochenschrift, 53. Jahrgang, Nr. 30 (July 24, 1906), pp. 1457-58.