Anaphylaxis

Definition

A severe, life-threatening allergic reaction that can kill within minutes. Your immune system's catastrophic overreaction to something relatively harmless, like a bouncer who brings a bazooka to a ticketless teenager.

Example Usage

The bee sting triggered anaphylaxis, sending her into shock and making the EpiPen in her purse suddenly worth its absurd $600 price tag.

Origin

From Greek 'ana' (against) and 'phylaxis' (protection), literally 'against protection'

Fun Fact

Anaphylaxis can occur to literally anything, including exercise, cold temperatures, and in rare cases, water—because nature has a dark sense of humor.

Source: Allergy and immunology terminology

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