vaccinate

[ vak-suh-neyt ]

verb (used with object)

, vac·ci·nat·ed, vac·ci·nat·ing.

1. to inoculate with the vaccine of cowpox so as to render the subject immune to smallpox.
2. to inoculate with the modified virus of any of various other diseases, as a preventive measure.

verb (used without object)

, vac·ci·nat·ed, vac·ci·nat·ing.

1. to perform or practice vaccination.

vaccinate

/ ˈvæksɪˌneɪt /

verb

1. to inoculate (a person) with a vaccine so as to produce immunity against a specific disease

Derived Forms

• ˈvacciˌnator, noun

Other Words From

• pre·vacci·nate verb (used with object) prevaccinated prevaccinating
• re·vacci·nate verb (used with object) revaccinated revaccinating
• un·vacci·nated adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of vaccinate¹

First recorded in 1800–10; back formation from vaccination

Example Sentences

Then, his team showed that this new F protein was both more stable in the lab and successfully worked to vaccinate mice against RSV.

From Science Daily

However, the vaccines fail to clear bacteria from the upper respiratory tract, allowing even vaccinated individuals to spread the disease.

From Science Daily

While Kennedy has denied on several occasions that he is anti-vaccination and said he and his children are vaccinated, he has repeatedly stated widely debunked claims about vaccine harm.

From BBC

The aim of these chemtrails is either vaccinating the population, spreading pandemics of controlling the minds of the masses, the conspiracy theories go on to claim.

From BBC

When the Salk vaccine came out, we were among the first children who were vaccinated.

From Salon

Related Words

• immunize
• inject
• inoculate
• protect
• treat

Vaccinate Vs. Inoculate Vs. Immunize

What’s the difference between vaccinate, inoculate, and immunize?

In the context of medicine, vaccinate, inoculate, and immunize are often used in overlapping ways, and for good reason—they all involve introducing a substance (especially a vaccine) into a person’s body with the goal of preventing them from getting a particular disease.

Vaccinate is the most specific of the three terms, because it always involves introducing a vaccine, which usually consists of a small amount of a killed, weakened, or otherwise modified version of a disease (such as a virus or bacterium). While inoculate has other meanings outside the context of medicine, in modern healthcare it’s typically used interchangeably with vaccinate (though it’s used less commonly).

Immunize is slightly different—it means to provide immunity from a specific disease. While the goal of vaccinating someone is often to immunize them, not all vaccines provide permanent immunity. Some vaccines provide what amounts to long-term immunity, while others only lead to a temporary protection, after which the body “forgets” how to make certain antibodies. In these cases, a booster shot or dose is often required, consisting of a follow-up vaccination to boost or renew the protection gained from the earlier vaccination.

Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between vaccinate, inoculate, and immunize.

Quiz yourself on vaccinate vs. inoculate vs. immunize!

True or False?

Vaccinate, inoculate, and immunize can be correctly used in some overlapping ways.