adjective
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of, relating to, having, or caused by an allergy
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informal having an aversion (to)
he's allergic to work
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of allergic
Explanation
If you're allergic, your body has an exaggerated response to some substance, like cat dander or pollen, that makes you sneeze or get itchy. Many people are allergic to dust. If you have an allergy to something, your immune system goes crazy when you come in contact with it: if this happens to you, you're allergic. You might be allergic to certain plants, and spend the spring with itchy eyes, for example, or sneeze every time you pet your best friend's dog. Allergic comes from allergy, from the German Allergie, which is rooted in the Greek word allos, "other, different, or strange."
Vocabulary lists containing allergic
This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for February 17–February 23, 2024
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This Week in Words: Current Events Vocab for May 14–May 20, 2022
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Jess and Layla's Astronomical Assignment
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Allergic reactions involve a type of immune response known as Th2 response.
From Science Daily • Feb. 23, 2026
Allergic Reactions When someone has an allergy, their body has a strong reaction to something.
From NewsForKids.net • Mar. 22, 2023
“Baking companies are working with their customers, including restaurants, to transparently disclose any allergen labeling changes to help ensure consumer safety,” American Bakers Association President Robb MacKie told Allergic Living.
From Washington Times • Dec. 29, 2022
Allergic reactions are rare but you should avoid the vaccine if you have previously had a serious allergic reaction to a flu vaccine.
From BBC • Oct. 8, 2021
Allergic to gluten, afraid of spiders, proud owner of three Scotties, two of which sleep in her bed.
From "Every Day" by David Levithan
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
