impunity

American  

[im-pyoo-ni-tee] / ɪmˈpyu nɪ ti /

noun

1. exemption from punishment.

2. immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action.

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impunity British  

/ ɪmˈpjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination

2. exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences

   a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes

3. 1. with no unpleasant consequences

   2. with no care or heed for such consequences

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Related Words

See exemption.

Etymology

Origin of impunity

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French impunite or Latin impūnitāt-, stem of impūnitās, derivative of impūnis “without punishment, unpunished” (from the adverb impūne), equivalent to im- im- ² + -pūne, combining form of poena “penalty, pain” + -itās -ity

Example Sentences

"Saudi Arabia is operating with complete impunity now," said Jeed Basyouni, Reprieve's head of death penalty for the Middle East and North Africa.

From BBC

“We must show great strength against crime, organized crime, impunity and disorder,” Kast, 59 years old, said in his victory speech Sunday.

From The Wall Street Journal

Mossad’s two failures shocked an organization accustomed to operating with impunity.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their grievances span everything from the impunity of political elites to the state of the healthcare system, to a lack of well-paying jobs.

From The Wall Street Journal

"So why is it that online people have got this sense of impunity? We need to put an end to this."

From BBC

Related Words

• immunity