Allergize

Allergize is a verb that generally means to cause someone to develop an allergic reaction, or to make something become an allergen. In everyday language, it can describe making a person more susceptible to allergies or treating a substance as capable of provoking an allergic response. In formal medical writing, the more common terms are sensitize (to induce sensitization) or allergenize (rarely used); “allergize” may appear in non-specialist discussions or informally.

Usage and context: Allergic reactions are mediated by immune responses, often involving IgE antibodies. Whether a substance is allergenic depends on host factors such as genetics and immune history, as well as exposure characteristics like dose, route (inhalation, ingestion, skin contact, injection), and frequency. The process of becoming allergic typically involves sensitization to an antigen, followed by potential reactions upon subsequent exposures. Because allergenicity can vary between individuals and circumstances, the verb allergize is imprecise in technical contexts.

Etymology and terminology: The verb allergize is formed from the noun allergen with the English suffix -ize. The noun allergen itself refers to a substance capable of triggering an allergic reaction. In medical literature, clearer terms—sensitize, sensitization, and allergenicity—are generally preferred to describe the mechanisms and outcomes of exposure.