ENGLISH
REFERENCE

allergic

adj. · n.
US //əˈɫɝdʒɪk// UK //ɐlˈɜːdʒɪk// al·ler·gic
  1. 1 medical reaction (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Patients who are allergic to penicillin must be identified immediately to ensure that alternative antibiotics are prescribed during treatment.
    • hypersensitive
    • sensitised
    Pitfall
    I am allergic from cats.
    I am allergic to cats.

    Always use the preposition 'to' after allergic when naming the cause of the reaction.

  2. 2 strong dislike (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Humorous Informal

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The CEO seemed allergic to criticism, often dismissing valid concerns from the board as mere pessimism.
  3. 3 a person with allergies (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a person who suffers from an allergy.

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

    Example

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

    Example

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

From allergy + -ic.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 20, 2026