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.

---

sepsis British  

/ ˈsɛpsɪs /

noun

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

---

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.

---

Etymology

Origin of sepsis

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

Example Sentences

It has further ongoing and planned trials for the treatment of bladder cancer, non-small-cell lung cancer, glioblastoma, sepsis, Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and lymphopenia.

From Barron's • Mar. 24, 2026

Steffie died from sepsis due to infected pressure ulcers, very low body weight and poor nutritional status, a pathologist found.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

Fern Dixon says she had become so used to the pain of her agonising periods that she almost died from peritonitis and sepsis in early 2025.

From BBC • Mar. 16, 2026

Symptoms of meningitis include a high fever, being sick and a severe and worsening headache, but can also cause life-threatening sepsis.

From BBC • Mar. 15, 2026

The doctor told my mother that if I had remained in Africa another day or two, the infection would have spread through my body, causing sepsis.

From "Taking Flight: From War Orphan to Star Ballerina" by Michaela DePrince