allergy

[al-er-jee]

noun

plural

allergies 

1. an abnormal reaction of the body to a previously encountered allergen introduced by inhalation, ingestion, injection, or skin contact, often manifested by itchy eyes, runny nose, wheezing, skin rash, or diarrhea.

2. hypersensitivity to the reintroduction of an allergen.

3. Informal.,  a strong dislike or aversion, as toward a person or activity.

   He has an allergy to hard work.

allergy

/ ˈælədʒɪ /

noun

1. a hypersensitivity to a substance that causes the body to react to any contact with that substance. Hay fever is an allergic reaction to pollen

2. informal,  aversion

   he has an allergy to studying

allergy

1. An abnormally high immunologic sensitivity to certain stimuli such as drugs, foods, environmental irritants, microorganisms, or physical conditions, such as temperature extremes. These stimuli act as antigens, provoking an immunological response involving the release of inflammatory substances, such as histamine, in the body. Allergies may be innate or acquired in genetically predisposed individuals. Common symptoms include sneezing, itching, and skin rashes, though in some individuals symptoms can be severe.

2. See also anaphylactic shock

allergy

1. A highly sensitive reaction of the body to certain substances, such as pollen, that are present in amounts that do not affect most people. Common indications of allergy include sneezing, skin rashes, itching, and runny nose.

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy¹

1910–15; < Greek áll ( os ) other + -ergy < Greek -ergia, equivalent to érg ( on ) activity + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy¹

C20: from German Allergie (indicating a changed reaction), from Greek allos other + ergon activity

Example Sentences

After pitching their best ideas—an automated pothole-repair machine, a wearable air purifier for people with allergies—the students coalesced around a winner: a self-inflating-tire product.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Then the gradual introduction of solid foods is essential to meet babies’ nutritional and developmental needs and to help reduce the risk of food allergies.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Hawke claims to have an “allergy to sequels,” but it was an easy yes from him when Scott Derrickson called with an idea about how to follow-up his successful 2021 film “The Black Phone.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“J&J voluntarily added a skin allergy warning to their Tylenol labels based on the FDA’s informal guidance,” the lawsuit says.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

People living with mould are indeed more likely to suffer from respiratory illnesses, infections, allergies and asthma.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• hay fever