immunity

[ih-myoo-ni-tee]

noun

plural

immunities 

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

   Antonyms: susceptibility

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

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

4. exemption from any natural or usual liability.

   Antonyms: liability

5. exemption from obligation, service, duty, or liability to taxation, jurisdiction, etc..

   The ambassador claimed diplomatic immunity when they arrested him for reckless driving.

   Synonyms: prerogative, liberty, license, franchise
   Antonyms: liability

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

7. special privilege.

8. Ecclesiastical.

   1. the exemption of ecclesiastical persons and things from secular or civil liabilities, duties, and burdens.

   2. a particular exemption of this kind.

immunity

/ ɪˈmjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. 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

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

3. any special privilege granting immunity

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

immunity

1. 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.

2. See also acquired immunity

immunity

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

Other Word Forms

• hyperimmunity noun
• nonimmunity noun
• self-immunity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunity¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Middle French immunite, from Latin immūnitāt-, stem of immūnitās “freedom or exemption from public charges or burdens.” See immune, -ity

Synonym Study

See exemption.

Example Sentences

It also dismissed the argument by Machar's team that he had immunity from prosecution, adding that the provision only applied to the president.

From BBC

The Supreme Court has made clear that presidents enjoy broad immunity for their actions while in office.

From Los Angeles Times

What's more, in recent years rats have developed genetic mutations that give them some immunity to these powerful drugs too.

From BBC

Anne Sacoolas was not drug tested and was allowed to leave the scene before flying back to the US under diplomatic immunity.

From BBC

Catherine Crump, a clinical professor at UC Berkeley School of Law, said messaging and social media platforms have a virtual “ironclad immunity” from the content made by its users under Sec.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• amnesty 
• charter 
• freedom 
• impunity 
• indemnity 
• license 
• prerogative 
• protection