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View synonyms for

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

    He has an allergy to hard work.



allergy

/ ˈæəɪ /

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

“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

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.

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.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy1

1910–15; < Greek á ( os ) other + -ergy < Greek -ergia, equivalent to é ( on ) activity + -ia -y 3
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Word History and Origins

Origin of allergy1

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

Examples have not been reviewed.

He taught me how to cook my way around 20 food allergies.

From

Trying to avoid peanuts, one of the most common food allergies, has been a way of life for Chris and millions of other adults with a serious allergy.

From

However, his manager, Kimberley Hoskins, is taking him and their former employer to tribunal, claiming her allergy amounted to a disability and that they discriminated against her.

From

She then waited a further 12 months for light therapy, and 18 months at the same time for skin allergy patch testing in summer 2024.

From

He's convinced that 'earthing' helps him avoid spring allergies and reconnect with something deeper.

From

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