septic shock

noun

: a severe form of sepsis that is associated with profound, life-threatening circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities, that is marked especially by increased capillary permeability and vasodilation resulting in persistent, dangerously low blood pressure and reduced blood flow despite fluid administration, and that leads to multiple organ failure

By many estimates, sepsis—and its most severe form, septic shock—is the leading cause of death for intensive care patients in the U.S. and the 10th most common cause of death for everyone else in the country.

—Maryn McKenna

Examples of septic shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

You were diagnosed with cancer as a teenager and suffered from septic shock this year. —Theresa Pichler, Glamour, 23 Dec. 2024

The 54-year-old hip-hop star (né Reggie Gibson) died on Nov. 19 of septic shock and enterocolitis, according to a death certificate obtained by TMZ. —Rachel Desantis, People.com, 19 Dec. 2024

The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s Office listed septic shock as the immediate cause of death. —Ryan Gaydos, Fox News, 14 Nov. 2024

Seizures and septic shock, adds Dr. Latisa Carson, another South Bay obstetrician and gynecologist with long experience delivering babies at Scripps Chula Vista, are also emergency pregnancy conditions which require immediate action. —Paul Sisson, San Diego Union-Tribune, 19 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1906, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

septic shock

noun

: a severe form of sepsis that is associated with profound, life-threatening circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities, is marked especially by increased capillary permeability and vasodilation resulting in persistent, dangerously low blood and reduced blood flow pressure despite fluid administration, and that leads to multiple organ failure