allergy

word

Definition

A medical condition where your body reacts negatively to certain foods, substances, or environmental factors, causing symptoms like sneezing, itching, or swelling.

Usage & Nuances

Most often used as a noun: 'have an allergy to nuts.' Common collocations: 'food allergy', 'drug allergy', 'allergy symptoms'. Not the same as 'intolerance', which is less severe. Used in both formal and informal situations.

Example Sentences

I have an allergy to peanuts.

basic

His allergy causes him to sneeze a lot.

basic

Do you have any allergies?

basic

Spring is tough because my pollen allergy gets worse.

natural

She carries medicine for her bee sting allergy just in case.

natural

A lot of kids these days have some kind of food allergy.

natural