Synonyms

sepsis

American

[sep-sis] / ˈsɛp sɪs /

noun

Pathology.

local or generalized invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms or their toxins.

dental sepsis; wound sepsis.

sepsis British

/ ˈsɛpsɪs /

noun

the presence of pus-forming bacteria in the body

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

sepsis Scientific

/ sĕp′sĭs /

A severe infection caused by pathogenic organisms, especially bacteria, in the blood or tissues. If untreated, a localized infection, as in the respiratory or urinary tracts, can lead to infection in the bloodstream and widespread inflammation, characterized initially by fever, chills, and other symptoms and later by septic shock.

Etymology

Origin of sepsis

First recorded in 1855–60; from Greek sêpsis “decay”; compare sḗpein “to make rotten”

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Boassen said his mother died a few years ago from a case of sepsis, days after being misdiagnosed at a rural clinic, and sent home with only painkillers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Doctors believe her sepsis might have been caused by something as innocent as a lick from her dog on a small cut or scratch.

From BBC

Some of the treatment was in a private house and she ended up developing sepsis.

From BBC

In December 2025 Luxe said on social media her husband had been rushed to Warwick Hospital with organ failure, and later contracted neutropenic sepsis which can be a complication of chemotherapy.

From BBC

Chester has overcome a lot in his first 15 months, including sepsis, Covid and endocarditis, while his mum has also needed to perform life-saving CPR on him.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023