impunity

[im-pyoo-ni-tee]

noun

1. exemption from punishment.

2. immunity from detrimental effects, as of an action.

impunity

/ ɪmˈpjuːnɪtɪ /

noun

1. exemption or immunity from punishment or recrimination

2. exemption or immunity from unpleasant consequences

   a successful career marked by impunity from early mistakes

3. 1. with no unpleasant consequences

   2. with no care or heed for such consequences

Word History and Origins

Origin of impunity¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French impunite or Latin impūnitāt-, stem of impūnitās, derivative of impūnis “without punishment, unpunished” (from the adverb impūne), equivalent to im- im- ² + -pūne, combining form of poena “penalty, pain” + -itās -ity

Word History and Origins

Origin of impunity¹

C16: from Latin impūnitās freedom from punishment, from impūnis unpunished, from _im- (not) + poena punishment

Synonym Study

See exemption.

Example Sentences

Prosecutors act with impunity in part because they are confident no one will expose them.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher said atrocities in Darfur have been met with indifference and "complete impunity", in an interview with AFP after a visit to the devastated Sudan region.

Read more on Barron's

Amnesty International has raised concerns over what it believes is a persistent pattern of impunity in Ethiopia's army.

Read more on BBC

The complaints also allege other facility staff knew about and facilitated abuse, perpetuating a culture of impunity.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

“I see several issues of serious concern regarding campus and local security and Antifa’s ability to operate with impunity in CA,” Harmeet K. Dhillon, the assistant attorney general for Civil Rights at the U.S.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• immunity