anaphylactic shock

noun

: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon exposure to a specific antigen (such as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

Examples of anaphylactic shock in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Going into anaphylactic shock can be life-threatening. Becca Longmire, People.com, 14 July 2025 In May, a detainee went into anaphylactic shock and ended up intubated in the hospital, the staffer said, because an officer wasn’t paying attention or was new and gave the detainee, who’s allergic to seafood, a tray that contained tuna. Jenny Jarvie, Los Angeles Times, 20 June 2025 The billionaire businessman collapsed on the field in Windsor after being stung in his mouth, which caused anaphylactic shock that triggered a fatal heart attack, according to the Mirror. Vivian Kwarm, New York Daily News, 13 June 2025 In Georgia, Suiter got three calls about cases of anaphylactic shock after Asian needle ant stings last year. Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 9 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for anaphylactic shock

Word History

First Known Use

1909, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of anaphylactic shock was in 1909

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Cite this Entry

“Anaphylactic shock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/anaphylactic%20shock. Accessed 20 Jul. 2025.

Medical Definition

anaphylactic shock

noun
: an often severe and sometimes fatal systemic reaction in a susceptible individual upon a second exposure to a specific antigen (as wasp venom or penicillin) after previous sensitization that is characterized especially by respiratory symptoms, fainting, itching, and hives

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