indemnity

[ in-dem-ni-tee ]

noun

, plural in·dem·ni·ties.

1. protection or security against damage or loss.
2. compensation for damage or loss sustained.
3. something paid by way of such compensation.
4. protection, as by insurance, from liabilities or penalties incurred by one's actions.
5. legal exemption from penalties attaching to unconstitutional or illegal actions, granted to public officers and other persons.

indemnity

/ ɪnˈdɛmnɪtɪ /

noun

1. compensation for loss or damage; reimbursement
2. protection or insurance against future loss or damage
3. legal exemption from penalties or liabilities incurred through one's acts or defaults
4. (in Canada) the salary paid to a member of Parliament or of a legislature
5. act of indemnity
   an act of Parliament granting exemption to public officers from technical penalties that they may have been compelled to incur

Other Words From

• anti-in·demni·ty adjective
• prein·demni·ty noun plural preindemnities

Word History and Origins

Origin of indemnity¹

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English indem(p)nite, from Middle French indemnité, from Latin indemnitāt-, stem of indemnitās “security from financial loss”; in- ³, damn, -i-, -ty ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of indemnity¹

C15: from Late Latin indemnitās, from indemnis uninjured, from Latin in- ¹+ damnum damage

Example Sentences

During the pandemic, the government granted vaccine manufacturers legal indemnity.

From BBC

They argue CalGEM’s determination means CRC must obtain, at most, a $30-million indemnity bond — an agreement in which a financial backer assumes responsibility for plugging the wells if CRC files for bankruptcy.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus there is the cost of personal indemnity insurance - just under £700 a year - to protect her in case she is sued for medical negligence.

From BBC

Under the so-called indemnity program, farms would receive up to $28,000 to protect workers and cover costs incurred treating and testing sick cows.

From New York Times

Arizona-based American Reliable and its parent company, Pennsylvania-based Global Indemnity Group, did not respond to requests for comment.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compensation
• repayment
• restitution