immune

[ih-myoon]

adjective

1. protected from a disease or the like, as by inoculation or by having the necessary antibodies due to a previous infection (often followed byto ).

   Most adults in the study were immune to yellow fever due to previous vaccination.

   Since I had already had measles, I assumed I was immune.

2. of or relating to the production of antibodies or lymphocytes that can react with a specific antigen.

   Crohn's disease is an abnormal immune reaction that causes the immune system to attack cells in the lining of the digestive tract.

3. exempt or protected.

   He thought being rich made him immune from punishment, but he went to jail for his crimes.

4. not responsive or susceptible.

   Over time writers are supposed to grow immune to criticism and let bad reviews roll off our backs.

   You're certainly highly resistant to argument, and also immune to new ideas.

noun

1. a person who is immune.

immune

/ ɪˈmjuːn /

adjective

1. protected against a specific disease by inoculation or as the result of innate or acquired resistance

2. relating to or conferring immunity See antibody

   an immune body

3. unsusceptible (to) or secure (against)

   immune to inflation

4. exempt from obligation, penalty, etc

noun

1. an immune person or animal

Other Word Forms

• hyperimmune adjective
• nonimmune adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of immune¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English, from Latin immūnis “exempt,” from im- im- ² + -mūnis ( common )

Word History and Origins

Origin of immune¹

C15: from Latin immūnis exempt from a public service, from _im- (not) + mūnus duty

Example Sentences

“Higher productivity won’t make Canada immune to U.S. trade policy, but it would help buffer the effects of tariffs,” she said.

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But in the decade since he was drafted by the Winnipeg Jets, Hellebuyck has mostly been immune to those dips in form.

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Folate is an important vitamin for cell health and the immune system and is found naturally in various foods, including leafy greens and beans.

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As soon as you’re born you have trillions of bacteria on your body that you make an immune response to, notes Offit.

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“There is crossover biology in the immune system,” he said.

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Related Words

• exempt 
• resistant 
• unaffected