hypersensitivityn.

1914 Q. Jrnl. Med. 7 273 Richet, in 1902, introduced the term ‘anaphylaxis’ to explain certain phenomena of hypersensitivity.

1914 Q. Jrnl. Med. 7 275 Before hypersensitivity can manifest itself a period of time must be allowed to elapse between the first and second injection.

1929 H. G. Wells Chem. Aspects Immunity (ed. 2) ix. 225 One of the most spectacular phenomena discovered in immunity is that of hypersensitivity to foreign proteins.

1946 Nature 19 Oct. 554/2 Most human beings appear to give very similar results when subjected to the same degree of exposure [to insect bites], though special cases of hypersensitivity and severe allergy also occur.

1947 L. Schwartz et al. Occup. Dis. Skin (ed. 2) iv. 43 The tendency to hypersensitivity may be inherited; it may be due to..a pigment deficiency causing hypersensitivity to light; or there may be a true allergy caused by exposure to an allergen.

1964 M. Hynes Med. Bacteriol. (ed. 8) viii. 104 Dermal hypersensitivity [1951–61 (ed. 5–7) hypersensitiveness] to dyes, solvents, etc., is most conveniently demonstrated by a patch test.

1970 R. Passmore & J. S. Robson Compan. Med. Stud. II. xxii. 19/1 It was soon found that hypersensitivity could be evoked also by intrinsically harmless substances such as..simple chemicals.

1954 J. A. Hadfield Dreams & Nightmares xi. 221 If that were so, hypersensitivity of hearing would be ruled out.

1956 I. Murdoch Flight from Enchanter x. 140 It was as if Mischa were deliberately reducing him to a state of hypersensitivity and confusion.

1970 D. W. Swanson et al. Paranoid iii. 61 The patient's hypersensitivity to others' feelings and failings can be disconcerting when focused on the interviewer.

1972 Daily Colonist (Victoria, Brit. Columbia) 27 Feb. 4/5 A hypersensitivity to criticism hangs them all up in time.