impunity

[im-pyoo-ni-tee]

noun

1. exemption from punishment.

2. immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action.

impunity

/ ɪmˈpjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination

2. exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences

   a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes

3. 1. with no unpleasant consequences

   2. with no care or heed for such consequences

Word History and Origins

Origin of impunity¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French impunite or Latin impūnitāt-, stem of impūnitās, derivative of impūnis “without punishment, unpunished” (from the adverb impūne), equivalent to im- im- ² + -pūne, combining form of poena “penalty, pain” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of impunity¹

C16: from Latin impūnitās freedom from punishment, from impūnis unpunished, from _im- (not) + poena punishment

Synonym Study

See exemption.

Example Sentences

"The Environment Agency is so hollowed out that it cannot investigate pollution crimes, effectively telling polluters they can act with impunity," James Wallace, the chief executive of campaign group River Action, told the BBC.

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President Lula wrote on X: "I stand with the Brazilian people. Today's demonstrations show that the population does not want impunity or amnesty."

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The demonstrations also drew the support of President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who wrote on X: "I stand with the Brazilian people. Today's demonstrations show that the population does not want impunity or amnesty."

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"No one wants masked officers roaming their communities and kidnapping people with impunity," he said.

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She said the package also targeted "Hamas terrorists", unnamed "extremist ministers" in the Israeli government and "violent settlers and entities supporting the impunity going on in the West Bank".

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Related Words

• immunity