anaphylactic

American  

[an-uh-fuh-lak-tik] / ˌæn ə fəˈlæk tɪk /

adjective

1. relating to or experiencing anaphylaxis.

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Explanation

Anything described as anaphylactic has to do with a dangerous allergy. Someone who has an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts can find their face and throat swelling, making it difficult to breathe. Anaphylactic shock is a full-blown, severe allergic reaction to something like shellfish, nuts, bee stings, or penicillin. This happens when a person's immune system is overly sensitive to specific substances and overreacts in response. An anaphylactic reaction can include itchiness, swelling, and hives, and it can be deadly if it isn't treated. The word comes from the Latin anaphylaxis, which means "exaggerated susceptibility."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anaphylactic

He donates the venison to food pantries because he has alpha-gal and his son “almost died from anaphylactic shock from two Advil gel caps,” he told me.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

In February, he had another anaphylactic reaction after eating seafood that he says he believes might have been cross-contaminated.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 25, 2026

Such reactions can range from responses with “no clinical manifestations” to irritating rashes to life-threatening conditions such as anaphylactic shock, which constricts breathing and impairs motor function.

From Salon ● Apr. 4, 2026

Jacob has potentially fatal anaphylactic reactions to dairy, so must carry an EpiPen with him and take multiple antihistamines.

From BBC ● Mar. 20, 2026

What do you say when your best friend has lost his mojo because you tried to reduce him to a paranoid bundle of nerves terrified of going into anaphylactic shock?

From "Liar, Liar" by Gary Paulsen

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