Immunity

/ɪˈmjunɪti/

Meaning & Definition

noun

The state of being immune to a particular disease or infection.

Vaccination can provide immunity against certain diseases.

Exemption from a legal duty or penalty.

The diplomat was granted immunity from prosecution under international law.

A condition that protects an individual from the effects of harmful agents, such as drugs or diseases.

The patient gained immunity after recovering from the infection.

From Latin 'imunitas', meaning 'exemption from taxes or public service'.

diplomatic immunity

Exemption from legal jurisdiction granted to diplomats.

herd immunity

Immunity that occurs when a substantial portion of a population becomes immune to an infectious disease.

immunity from prosecution

Legal protection preventing an individual from being prosecuted for a crime.

immune

Protected from disease; not affected by.

vaccination

The act of administering a vaccine to produce immunity against disease.

antibody

A protein produced by the body to neutralize or destroy toxins or pathogens.

Being untouchable or exempt from negative consequences.

In his world, he had immunity from the rules that applied to everyone else.

Having a free pass in situations, often used in informal contexts.

She has immunity from chores because she did the cooking.