sepsis

American  

[sep-sis] / ˈsɛp sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

1. local or generalized invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins.

   dental sepsis; wound sepsis.

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sepsis British  

/ ˈsɛpsɪs /

noun

1. the presence of pus-forming bacteria in the body

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sepsis Scientific  

/ sĕp′sĭs /

1. A severe infection caused by pathogenic organisms, especially bacteria, in the blood or tissues. If untreated, a localized infection, as in the respiratory or urinary tracts, can lead to infection in the bloodstream and widespread inflammation, characterized initially by fever, chills, and other symptoms and later by septic shock.

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Etymology

Origin of sepsis

First recorded in 1855–60; from Greek sêpsis “decay”; compare sḗpein “to make rotten”

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sepsis

In March, Hilton was hospitalized in Las Vegas with severe sepsis for 21 days.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 5, 2026

I tell them, “Because your child doesn’t have vaccines, I have to be more worried about conditions like sepsis or meningitis, so therefore I need to do more workup.”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

Save Face has warned of an increase in serious complications linked to BBL procedures, including infections, sepsis and abscesses requiring hospital treatment.

From BBC ● Jul. 22, 2026

The microbes can cause a constellation of symptoms in humans, from vomiting and diarrhea to sepsis, kidney failure and even death.

From Salon ● Jun. 22, 2026

They call it "sepsis," and they know from bitter experience how quickly a "septic" wound can go from slight redness to gross swelling to a fatal condition called gangrene.

From "Phineas Gage" by John Fleischman