diplomatic immunity

American  

noun

1. exemption from taxation, searches, arrest, etc., enjoyed by diplomatic officials and their dependent families under international law, and usually on a reciprocal basis.

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diplomatic immunity British  

noun

1. the immunity from local jurisdiction and exemption from taxation in the country to which they are accredited afforded to diplomats

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diplomatic immunity Cultural  

1. Exemption of diplomats — ambassadors and other representatives of a foreign nation — from the laws of the nation to which they are assigned.

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Foreign representatives have sometimes gone unpunished for serious crimes after claiming diplomatic immunity. The main purpose of diplomatic immunity, however, is to protect diplomats from harassment or arrest by their host government.

Etymology

Origin of diplomatic immunity

First recorded in 1910–15

Example Sentences

The legal framework for the hub, ensuring diplomatic immunity, is to give companies the certainty that they are accountable under U.S. law in the case of civil disputes, Helberg said.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

An investigation was launched but Grace was given diplomatic immunity, allowing her to leave South Africa without answering questions.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

French Response grants itself no diplomatic immunity for stereotypes, either.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf following the incident, before a senior Foreign Office official said the US government should "feel able" to put her on the next flight home.

From BBC • Jul. 2, 2025

"And it would practically destroy the principle of diplomatic immunity."

From Lone Star Planet by Piper, H. Beam