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. with impunity
   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

“We know that a lot of them are still out there and they got away with impunity.”

From BBC

The UN has said reports of alleged torture and sexual violence by Israeli guards were “grossly illegal and revolting” and enabled by “absolute impunity”.

From BBC

He started his new job vowing “to end impunity and indifference”.

From BBC

For years, the army was able to commit these acts with impunity because the country’s civilian leaders refused to criticize the violence.

From New York Times

Serbia’s opposition parties have been quick to attack President Vucic and his Progressive Party government, arguing that nepotism and a culture of impunity are behind the canopy collapse.

From BBC

Related Words

• immunity