As nouns,
hypersensitivity reaction is a hypernym of
allergic reaction; that is,
hypersensitivity reaction is a
word with a broader meaning than
allergic reaction:
- allergic reaction: hypersensitivity reaction to a particular allergen; symptoms can vary greatly in intensity
- hypersensitivity reaction: an inappropriate and excessive reaction to an allergen (as pollen or dust or animal hair or certain foods); severity ranges from mild allergy to severe systemic reactions leading to anaphylactic shock