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
• antianaphylactic
  adjective
• pseudoanaphylactic
  adjective
• anaphylactically
  adverb

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Etymology

Origin of anaphylaxis

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

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Compare meaning

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

• anaphylaxis vs. anaphylactic shock

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

anaphylaxis

He was twice rushed to the hospital after his throat closed, he couldn’t breathe and his blood pressure plummeted — a severe allergic reaction called anaphylaxis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 4, 2026

At least one person is known to have died after receiving the drug cetuximab to treat colon cancer and going into anaphylaxis.

From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026

The plans follow cross-party support for Benedict's Law, a campaign to improve allergy safety in schools by ensuring consistent, life-saving protections for children with food allergies and anaphylaxis.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2026

The results also pointed to an extreme immune response consistent with fatal anaphylaxis.

From Science Daily ● Dec. 17, 2025

Foreign protein sensitization or anaphylaxis was the basis of Dr. Rutledge's coup.

From The Sword and the Atopen by Taylor H. Greenfield

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