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Synonyms

immune

American  
[ih-myoon] / ɪˈmyun /

adjective

  1. protected from a disease or the like, as by inoculation or by having the necessary antibodies due to a previous infection (often followed byto ).

    Most adults in the study were immune to yellow fever due to previous vaccination.

    Since I had already had measles, I assumed I was immune.

  2. of or relating to the production of antibodies or lymphocytes that can react with a specific antigen.

    Crohn's disease is an abnormal immune reaction that causes the immune system to attack cells in the lining of the digestive tract.

  3. exempt or protected.

    He thought being rich made him immune from punishment, but he went to jail for his crimes.

  4. not responsive or susceptible.

    Over time writers are supposed to grow immune to criticism and let bad reviews roll off our backs.

    You're certainly highly resistant to argument, and also immune to new ideas.


noun

  1. a person who is immune.

immune British  
/ ɪˈmjuːn /

adjective

  1. protected against a specific disease by inoculation or as the result of innate or acquired resistance

  2. relating to or conferring immunity See antibody

    an immune body

  3. unsusceptible (to) or secure (against)

    immune to inflation

  4. exempt from obligation, penalty, etc

"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

noun

  1. an immune person or animal

"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

Other Word Forms

  • hyperimmune adjective
  • nonimmune adjective

Etymology

Origin of immune

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin immūnis “exempt,” from im- im- 2 + -mūnis ( common )

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.

These therapies work by training a patient's own immune system to detect and destroy dangerous cells.

From Science Daily

The results also pointed to an extreme immune response consistent with fatal anaphylaxis.

From Science Daily

Growing seasonal concern about overlapping respiratory illnesses such as the common cold and influenza has increased interest in ways to support immune health.

From Science Daily

For the Marson lab, which focuses on T cells and other parts of the immune system, the method could open the door to many more discoveries.

From Science Daily

“Unfortunately, Redlands is not immune to these hateful acts, as a local family was targeted because of their festive home decorations celebrating Hanukkah,” the Redlands Police Department said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times