immunity

[ih-myoo-ni-tee]

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.

immunity

/ 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

immunity

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

immunity

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

Other Word Forms

• hyperimmunity noun
• nonimmunity noun
• self-immunity noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunity¹

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

Synonym Study

See exemption.

Example Sentences

Such vaccines could induce broader immunity than whole-virus vaccines by eliciting antibody and T-cell responses that target an even wider range of flu viruses.

From Salon

But neither can he be prosecuted breaking it, they said, thanks to the Supreme Court’s presidential immunity decision last year.

From Los Angeles Times

Two of the senators called the lawsuits frivolous, while Bailey has argued the posts were protected by legislative immunity, as the senators were acting in their official capacity.

From Salon

What once was a bold expression of political loyalty has become a liability, showing how symbolic alignment with a political movement does not provide immunity from legal realities.

From Salon

Maxwell was granted limited immunity for the interview with Blanche, insulating her from potential charges unless she lied, according to the ABC report.

From Salon

Related Words

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