immunity

[ ih-myoo-ni-tee ]

noun

plural immunities.

1. the state of being immune from or insusceptible to a particular disease or the like.

   Antonyms: susceptibility

2. the condition that permits either natural or acquired resistance to disease.
3. the ability of a cell to react immunologically in the presence of an antigen.
4. exemption from any natural or usual liability.

   Antonyms: liability

5. exemption from obligation, service, duty, or liability to taxation, jurisdiction, etc.:

   The ambassador claimed diplomatic immunity when they arrested him for reckless driving.

   Synonyms: prerogative, liberty, license, franchise

   Antonyms: liability

6. Law. exemption from criminal prosecution or legal liability or punishment on certain conditions.
7. special privilege.
8. Ecclesiastical.
   1. the exemption of ecclesiastical persons and things from secular or civil liabilities, duties, and burdens.
   2. a particular exemption of this kind.

immunity

/ ɪˈmjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. the ability of an organism to resist disease, either through the activities of specialized blood cells or antibodies produced by them in response to natural exposure or inoculation ( active immunity ) or by the injection of antiserum or the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her baby via the placenta or breast milk ( passive immunity ) See also acquired immunity natural immunity
2. freedom from obligation or duty, esp exemption from tax, duty, legal liability, etc
3. any special privilege granting immunity
4. the exemption of ecclesiastical persons or property from various civil obligations or liabilities

immunity

/ ĭ-myo̅o̅′nĭ-tē /

1. The protection of the body from a disease caused by an infectious agent, such as a bacterium or virus. Immunity may be natural (that is, inherited) or acquired.
2. See also acquired immunity

immunity

1. The ability of the body to resist or fight off infection and disease.

Other Word Forms

• hyper·im·muni·ty noun
• nonim·muni·ty noun plural nonimmunities
• self-im·muni·ty noun plural selfimmunities

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French immunite, from Latin immūnitāt-, stem of immūnitās “freedom or exemption from public charges or burdens.” See immune, -ity

Synonym Study

See exemption.

Example Sentences

So far, the plaintiffs have only sought compensation for the loss of their property; the city of L.A. has immunity against claims over emotional distress and some other impacts from the fire.

From Los Angeles Times

The reference is to the Supreme Court decision last year granting Donald Trump, and any future president, immunity from prosecution for any official acts taken while in office.

From Salon

Combining that with her singular immunity to the Cordyceps infection lends a dangerous dimension to her youthful delusions of invincibility.

From Salon

However, she could potentially still face charges when she leaves office next year and loses her presidential immunity.

From BBC

Roughly 95% of a community must be vaccinated against the measles to achieve herd immunity, when enough of a group is immune to a disease that its spread is limited and the unvaccinated are protected.

From BBC

Related Words

• amnesty
• charter
• freedom
• impunity
• indemnity
• license
• prerogative
• protection