immunity

im-mu-ni-ty · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies.

  2. 2.

    Protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty.

  3. 3.

    Exemption from legal prosecution.

Forms

plural: immunities

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    herd immunity — indirect protection from infectious disease when a large percentage of a population is immune
  • •
    diplomatic immunity — legal protection for diplomats from prosecution
  • •
    grant immunity — to exempt someone from prosecution
  • •
    build up immunity — to develop resistance to disease over time

Related words

Antonyms: liability, susceptibility, vulnerability
See also: immune, immunize, resistance
Synonyms: exemption, protection, resistance

Etymology

From Latin immunitas ("exemption from service or charges"), from immunis ("exempt, free"). The medical sense developed in the 19th century.