immunity

American  

[ih-myoo-ni-tee] / ɪˈmyu nɪ ti /

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.

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immunity British  

/ 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

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immunity Scientific  

/ ĭ-myo̅o̅′nĭ-tē /

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

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immunity Cultural  

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

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Related Words

See exemption.

Other Word Forms

• hyperimmunity noun
• nonimmunity noun
• self-immunity noun

Etymology

Origin of immunity

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

Example Sentences

This helps make sense of the narrow birthright exceptions: In contrast, foreign diplomats enjoy immunity and famously don’t pay New York parking tickets.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bazoum's presidential immunity was lifted in 2024 but his lawyers believe it unlikely that the official end of his term in office will accelerate him being put on trial.

From Barron's

So a lot of the focus is on changes to the bacterium and whether people have less immunity.

From BBC

From its exotic location to the now-iconic buffs, “Survivor” established a world all its own, complete with a unique lexicon of immunity challenges, tribal council and Probst’s signature catchphrase, “The tribe has spoken.”

From Los Angeles Times

It is also possible that young people who spent their teenage years during Covid lockdowns may not have built up the usual amount of immunity to protect them against it.

From BBC

Related Words

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