Allergy Definition, Causes & Common Symptoms

Meaning 1：hypersensitivity (allergy)

allergy 🔊

/ˈælərdʒi/

A condition where your body reacts badly to something harmless, like pollen or certain foods, causing symptoms like sneezing or itching.

Child with red itchy skin from allergy reaction near peanut butter sandwich

hypersensitivity 🔊

➕

/ˌhaɪpərˌsensɪˈtɪvɪti/

An exaggerated immune reaction to a foreign substance (allergen) that is typically harmless, causing symptoms such as sneezing, itching, or swelling.

📁 Category：Diet & Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'allos' (other) + 'ergon' (work), meaning 'altered reaction'.

💡 Mnemonic

'Allergy' = 'all energy'? Your body uses all energy fighting a harmless thing.

📖 Example

I had to leave the park because my allergy to pollen made my eyes water and my nose run. 🔊 I had to leave the park because my allergy to pollen made my eyes water and my nose run.

🔗 Collocations

food allergy – A type of allergy triggered by eating certain foods.

allergy test – A medical procedure to identify specific allergens.

seasonal allergy – An allergy that occurs at certain times of the year, often due to pollen.

🔄 Synonyms

hypersensitivity (n.) – An abnormal sensitivity to a substance, often used interchangeably with allergy.

allergic reaction (n.) – The physical response of the body when exposed to an allergen.

intolerance (n.) – A mild or severe adverse reaction to a substance, not necessarily immune-mediated.

🚫 Antonyms

tolerance (n.) – The ability to endure exposure to a substance without a reaction.

immunity (n.) – The state of being resistant to a specific disease or allergen.

🌱 Derivatives

allergen (n.) – A substance that causes an allergic reaction.

allergic (adj.) – Relating to or caused by an allergy.

allergist (n.) – A doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies.

📖 Cultural Story

Coined in 1906 by Austrian pediatrician Clemens von Pirquet to describe an altered immune response to normally harmless substances.