allergic

UK: əˈlɜːdʒɪk | US: əˈlɜːrdʒɪk

Definition

  1. adj. having an allergy to a substance

  2. adj. strongly averse or sensitive to something

Structure
aller <other, different (from Greek *allos*)>gic <related to (from Greek *-ikos*)>
Etymology

The word "allergic" originates from the Greek allos (meaning "other" or "different") combined with the suffix -ikos (indicating "related to"). It was first used in medical contexts to describe abnormal immune reactions to foreign substances (allergens). Over time, its meaning expanded metaphorically to describe strong aversion or sensitivity to non-medical stimuli (e.g., "allergic to criticism").

Examples

  1. She is allergic to peanuts and carries an EpiPen.

  2. He’s allergic to cats, so he avoids visiting friends who own them.

  3. Many people are allergic to pollen during spring.

  4. The child broke out in hives after eating something he was allergic to.

  5. She’s allergic to dishonesty and always values transparency.