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

Part of what insulates international organizations from the consequences of their bad decisions is the broad legal immunity they enjoy.

From The Wall Street Journal

People who visited the amusement park during that time have been advised to check their immunity status, talk to their healthcare provider about vaccination and immunity status.

From Los Angeles Times

But in 2022 the court ruled Saudi Arabia did not have immunity.

From BBC

“Investigations are conducted on the basis of evidence and due process, including financial investigations and international cooperation. There is no immunity for any network or individual found to be involved.”

From The Wall Street Journal

During one of the weekend’s lectures, Australian medical herbalist Lee Carroll explains how mushrooms have been used to boost immunity and extend health span for millennia.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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