immunize

[ im-yuh-nahyz, ih-myoo-nahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, im·mu·nized, im·mu·niz·ing.

1. to make immune, or protected from a disease or the like:

   They are organizing a massive health campaign to immunize millions of children.

   George Washington's army immunized its soldiers against smallpox.

2. to shield, exempt, or protect:

   There is no moral or legal basis for immunizing victorious nations from scrutiny over their actions in a war.

3. Law. to grant (a witness) exemption from criminal prosecution, legal liability, or punishment on certain conditions:

   In exchange for her testimony, the court agreed to immunize the witness against prosecution for criminal activities committed during the relevant period.

immunize

/ ˈɪmjʊˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make immune, esp by inoculation

Derived Forms

• ˈimmuˌnizer, noun
• ˌimmuniˈzation, noun

Other Words From

• im·mu·niz·er noun
• hy·per·im·mu·nize verb (used with object) hyperimmunized hyperimmunizing
• o·ver·im·mu·nize verb (used with object) overimmunized overimmunizing

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunize¹

First recorded in 1890–95; immune + -ize

Example Sentences

That may prove frustrating for people who survived the pandemic and went through the trouble of getting immunized but still can’t relax.

From Vox

Recently, a number of readers have asked me whether older relatives with these conditions should be immunized.

From Washington Post

“It gives me a reassurance I haven’t had until now,” Maryland educator Susie Shafer said after being immunized Friday.

From Washington Post

It also amplifies the urgency of getting as many people immunized with current vaccines as quickly as possible.

From Washington Post

The scramble by South Africa for Covid-19 vaccines is intensifying pressure on the government to square its plans for immunizing the country with reality.

From Quartz

Doctors in France, Germany and Holland have instead chosen to use information to immunize people against their fears.

From The Daily Beast

It is as if by acting scandalously, they are able to immunize themselves.

From The Daily Beast

A general social re-organization is needed which will redistribute forces, immunize, divert and nullify.

From Project Gutenberg

He'd spent time in Medico-Synthesis after every major job to immunize him against interrogation.

From Project Gutenberg

Would you advise their use as a preventive measure, to immunize the workers in the industries?

From Project Gutenberg

The only proof that we can immunize against hay fever is to immunize against hay fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Attempts to immunize small animals with Amanita toxin succeed only to a limited degree.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• inoculate
• protect
• vaccinate

Immunize Vs. Vaccinate Vs. Inoculate

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

In the context of medicine, immunize, inoculate, and vaccinate 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 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 immunize, vaccinate, and inoculate.

Quiz yourself on immunize vs. vaccinate vs. inoculate!

True or False?

Immunize, vaccinate, and inoculate can be correctly used in some overlapping ways.