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.
In March, an Afghan man who once fought alongside U.S. troops died of an allergic reaction.
From Slate • Jul. 8, 2026
If No. 7 seed Gauff has been somewhat allergic to grass, metaphorically speaking, Muchova literally is.
From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 8, 2026
Here’s another reason to cover up in the thick of tick season this summer: There’s a bite that can leave you allergic to red meat.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 26, 2026
As a baby, Yann had severe eczema and at six months, blood tests showed he was allergic to milk, peanuts and eggs.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
Ben is allergic to nuts so they skipped those.
From "P.S. I Miss You" by Jen Petro-Roy
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.
