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

• antipathetic
• 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

Severe allergic reactions can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening emergency that must be treated in hospital. —Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 5 Nov. 2024

There’s an allergic reaction to something that has a vertical operations component to it. —Jean E. Palmieri, WWD, 28 Oct. 2024

Like all vaccines, the rotavirus vaccine carries the potential risk of anaphylaxis (a life-threatening allergic reaction). —Anna Giorgi, Verywell Health, 25 Oct. 2024

Signs of an allergic reaction include itchiness, flaking, and redness or darker discoloration, depending on your skin tone. —Melanie Rud, SELF, 24 Oct. 2024

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

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