Word
anaphylaxis
Phoneticsana·phy·lax·is
US/ˌænəfəˈɫæksɪs/
UK/ˌænɐfɪlˈæksɪs/
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. a very serious, sudden allergic reaction that can make breathing difficult and lower blood pressure. It needs emergency treatment right away.
n. a severe, potentially life-threatening systemic hypersensitivity reaction with rapid onset, often involving airway compromise and cardiovascular collapse. Commonly triggered by foods, insect venom, or drugs.
Examples
“Peanuts can trigger anaphylaxis in some people.”
“After the bee sting, he shows signs of anaphylaxis, so his friend gives him an injection and calls emergency services.”
“Despite strict avoidance measures, trace exposure to shellfish precipitated anaphylaxis, requiring intramuscular adrenaline and overnight observation to guard against a biphasic response.”
Examples
simple
“Peanuts can trigger anaphylaxis in some people.”
contextual
“After the bee sting, he shows signs of anaphylaxis, so his friend gives him an injection and calls emergency services.”
complex
“Despite strict avoidance measures, trace exposure to shellfish precipitated anaphylaxis, requiring intramuscular adrenaline and overnight observation to guard against a biphasic response.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “anaphylaxis” in context.
Verb
01. anaphylaxis occurs
“Anaphylaxis occurs rapidly, often within minutes of allergen exposure.”
noun + verb
02. anaphylaxis progresses
“If untreated, anaphylaxis progresses to airway obstruction and circulatory collapse.”
noun + verb
03. die from anaphylaxis
“He died from anaphylaxis after an undiagnosed nut allergy closed his airway.”
verb + prep + noun
04. induce anaphylaxis
“Exercise after eating wheat can induce anaphylaxis in susceptible patients.”
verb + noun
Adjective
05. acute anaphylaxis
“Guidelines stress giving adrenaline immediately in cases of acute anaphylaxis.”
adj + noun
06. fatal anaphylaxis
“Delayed adrenaline administration increases the risk of fatal anaphylaxis.”
adj + noun
Noun
07. episode of anaphylaxis
“He was hospitalized overnight after a severe episode of anaphylaxis.”
noun + prep + noun
08. history of anaphylaxis
“Patients with a history of anaphylaxis should wear a medical alert bracelet.”
noun + prep + noun
09. be at risk of anaphylaxis
“Children with severe food allergies are at risk of anaphylaxis at school.”
10. develop signs of anaphylaxis
“He developed signs of anaphylaxis minutes after the infusion started.”
11. die from acute anaphylaxis
“The teenager died from acute anaphylaxis after a bee sting on a hike.”
12. have a history of anaphylaxis
“She has a history of anaphylaxis, so she avoids shellfish completely.”
Real-World Examples
“The health regulator is adding a new boxed warning, the FDA's most prominent warning, to include information that a serious allergic reaction called anaphylaxis can occur at any time, from as early as after the first dose or following doses administered years after starting the medicine.” “The change follows the death of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse from anaphylaxis after she ate sesame in a baguette.” “LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's medicine regulator said anyone with a history of anaphylaxis to a medicine or food should not get the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, giving fuller guidance on an earlier allergy warning about the shot.” “Severe allergic reactions, called anaphylaxis, can be life threatening.” Etymology
Borrowed from French anaphylaxie, coined by French physiologist and parapsychologist Charles Richet and French zoologist Paul Portier from the Ancient Greek ᾰ̓νᾰ- (ănă-, “(intensifier) thoroughly”) from ᾰ̓νᾰ́ (ănắ, “to, again, upon”) and φύλαξις (phúlaxis, “protection, watching, guarding”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C2 ProficiencyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.8.5–9.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 6.0114–120
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C2 · Proficiency
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/anaphylaxis