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

The latest incident is part of a growing anger over what many Indonesians perceive to be the impunity of the country's political elite.

Read more on BBC

Human rights groups accuse them of systematic repression of peaceful critics with, according to the US state department's most recent assessment, "serious restrictions on freedom of expression" and an "environment of impunity."

Read more on BBC

Islamabad has repeatedly accused Kabul's authorities of harbouring militant groups that launch attacks on Pakistani soil with impunity -- allegations the Taliban government denies.

Read more on Barron's

He liked Honore, despite the man’s chosen profession; the brutal manner of his death inspires Maigret to pursue his killer, rather than the team that has been robbing Paris banks with apparent impunity.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

"The Environment Agency is so hollowed out that it cannot investigate pollution crimes, effectively telling polluters they can act with impunity," James Wallace, the chief executive of campaign group River Action, told the BBC.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

• immunity