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 hub will have diplomatic immunity, such as the protections afforded to an American embassy, and operate under U.S. common law—the first arrangement of its kind anywhere in the world.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

She was not charged as she was given diplomatic immunity by the Chinese government.

From BBC • Mar. 11, 2026

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

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 26, 2026

She left the country after the incident, with the US claiming she had diplomatic immunity from prosecution.

From BBC • Jun. 26, 2025

Commissioner Tate has informed me," the Ermetyne said, "that this group does not recognize the principle of diplomatic immunity in my case.

From Legacy by Schmitz, James H.