immunity

[ ih-myoo-ni-tee ]

/ ɪˈmyu nɪ ti /

noun, plural im·mu·ni·ties.

the state of being immune from or insusceptible to a particular disease or the like.

the condition that permits either natural or acquired resistance to disease.

the ability of a cell to react immunologically in the presence of an antigen.

exemption from any natural or usual liability.

exemption from obligation, service, duty, or liability to taxation, jurisdiction, etc.: The ambassador claimed diplomatic immunity when they arrested him for reckless driving.

Law. exemption from criminal prosecution or legal liability or punishment on certain conditions.

special privilege.

Ecclesiastical.

the exemption of ecclesiastical persons and things from secular or civil liabilities, duties, and burdens.
a particular exemption of this kind.

Nearby words

immune serum globulin, immune surveillance, immune system, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, immunifacient, immunity, immunity bath, immunization, immunize, immuno-, immunoadjuvant

Origin of immunity

1350–1400; Middle English immunite < Latin immūnitās. See immune, -ity

SYNONYMS FOR immunity

4 See exemption.

5 franchise, license, liberty, prerogative.

ANTONYMS FOR immunity

1 susceptibility.

4, 5 liability.

Related forms

hy·per·im·mu·ni·ty, nounnon·im·mu·ni·ty, noun, plural non·im·mu·ni·ties.self-im·mu·ni·ty, noun, plural self·-im·mu·ni·ties.

Can be confused

immunity impunity

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for hyperimmunity

immunity

/ (ɪˈmjuːnɪtɪ) /

noun plural -ties

the ability of an organism to resist disease, either through the activities of specialized blood cells or antibodies produced by them in response to natural exposure or inoculation (active immunity) or by the injection of antiserum or the transfer of antibodies from a mother to her baby via the placenta or breast milk (passive immunity)See also acquired immunity, natural immunity

freedom from obligation or duty, esp exemption from tax, duty, legal liability, etc

any special privilege granting immunity

the exemption of ecclesiastical persons or property from various civil obligations or liabilities

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for hyperimmunity

immunity

[ ĭ-myōō′nĭ-tē ]

n.

The quality or condition of being immune.

Inherited, acquired, or induced resistance to infection by a specific pathogen.

Science definitions for hyperimmunity

immunity

[ ĭ-myōō′nĭ-tē ]

The protection of the body from a disease caused by an infectious agent, such as a bacterium or virus. Immunity may be natural (that is, inherited) or acquired. See also acquired immunity.

Culture definitions for hyperimmunity

immunity

The ability of the body to resist or fight off infection and disease.