allergic

adj. having a bad physical reaction to things like nuts, cats, or pollen.

adj. having a medical condition that causes a hypersensitive immune response to specific substances.

“I am allergic to peanuts, so I have to check food labels carefully.”

“Patients who are allergic to penicillin must be identified immediately to ensure that alternative antibiotics are prescribed during treatment.”

adj. you use this to say you really hate or want to avoid something.

adj. expressing a strong aversion or antipathy toward something. Figurative use often intended to be humorous.

“My brother is allergic to hard work and always finds an excuse to rest.”

“The CEO seemed allergic to criticism, often dismissing valid concerns from the board as mere pessimism.”

Humorous · Informal

n. a person who suffers from an allergy.

n. an individual who experiences allergic reactions. This nominal use is less frequent than the adjectival form.

“The new air filter is designed specifically for allergics who struggle in the spring.”

“The study monitored a group of allergics to determine if long-term exposure to the allergen could eventually induce a degree of tolerance.”

Technical