allergic

word · lemma: allergy

/əˈɫɝdʒɪk/
uh-LUR-jik
/ɐlˈɜːdʒɪk/
uh-LUR-jik

Definition

If you are allergic to something, your body reacts badly to it, such as to certain foods, animals, medicines, or pollen. It is also sometimes used informally to mean strongly opposed to or unwilling to deal with something.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used with 'to': 'allergic to peanuts', 'allergic to cats'. For medical meaning, use it carefully and factually. Informally, 'I'm allergic to paperwork' means 'I really hate/avoid paperwork' and is common in speech, but not suitable in formal or medical contexts.

Example Sentences

My sister is allergic to cats.

basic

He is allergic to peanuts, so he cannot eat this cake.

basic

Are you allergic to any medicine?

basic

I'm allergic to dust, so I start sneezing when I clean.

natural

She's not really sick—she's just allergic to early mornings.

natural

I'm allergic to paperwork, so I put it off until the last minute.

natural