anaphylaxis

American  

[an-uh-fuh-lak-sis] / ˌæn ə fəˈlæk sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. exaggerated allergic reaction to a foreign protein resulting from previous exposure to it.

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anaphylaxis British  

/ ˌænəfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

1. extreme sensitivity to an injected antigen, esp a protein, following a previous injection

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anaphylaxis Scientific  

/ ăn′ə-fə-lăk′sĭs /

1. See anaphylactic shock

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Other Word Forms

• anaphylactic
  adjective
• anaphylactically
  adverb
• antianaphylactic
  adjective
• pseudoanaphylactic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of anaphylaxis

First recorded in 1905–10; ana- + (pro)phylaxis

Compare meaning

How does anaphylaxis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

• anaphylaxis vs. anaphylactic shock

Example Sentences

As chair of Anaphylaxis UK's clinical and scientific panel, she also said: "We are having admissions for reactions, missed days off work or school, a significant impact on their wellbeing."

From BBC • Apr. 23, 2026

You can also find more information at Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia.

From Salon • May 9, 2024

Anaphylaxis -- a severe allergic reaction that may include a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, difficulty breathing, and shock -- from a food allergy sends 200,000 people to the emergency room annually in the United States.

From Science Daily • Nov. 7, 2023

Anaphylaxis strikes about one in 50 individuals in the United States every year.

From Science Magazine • Mar. 16, 2023

Footnote 2 "also Doerr, "Allergie und Anaphylaxis," in Kolle" is cited often as "also Doerr, "Allergie und Anaphylaxie," in Kolle".

From Food Poisoning by Jordan, Edwin Oakes