immunity
The state of being resistant to a specific disease or infection through the presence of antibodies. It also refers to a legal status where an individual is exempt from certain duties, taxes, or prosecution.
Examples
3 of 5Drinking orange juice and getting enough sleep can help boost your immunity during flu season.
Consuming vitamin C and resting helps strengthen your body's natural defense against the flu.
The court ruled that the official was entitled to sovereign immunity regarding his actions in office.
The legal system decided the official was protected from being sued for his professional conduct.
I've heard that bad jokes are like a virus, but luckily I've developed a bit of immunity to yours.
I have become used to your bad jokes and they no longer bother me.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Community'. 'Immunity' is what keeps the 'Community' safe from diseases and outside threats.
Quick Quiz
The witness was granted ______ from prosecution in exchange for providing evidence against the gang leader.
Correct!
The correct answer is: immunity
Examples
Drinking orange juice and getting enough sleep can help boost your immunity during flu season.
everydayConsuming vitamin C and resting helps strengthen your body's natural defense against the flu.
The court ruled that the official was entitled to sovereign immunity regarding his actions in office.
formalThe legal system decided the official was protected from being sued for his professional conduct.
I've heard that bad jokes are like a virus, but luckily I've developed a bit of immunity to yours.
informalI have become used to your bad jokes and they no longer bother me.
Herd immunity is achieved when a significant percentage of a population has become immune to an infectious disease.
academicA population is protected when enough individuals are resistant to a pathogen to stop its spread.
The contract includes a clause providing the consultant with immunity from liability for indirect losses.
businessThe agreement states the consultant cannot be held responsible for secondary financial damages.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
immunity from prosecution
A promise that someone will not be charged with a crime
acquired immunity
Immunity that develops after exposure to an antigen
judicial immunity
Protection for judges against liability for their judicial acts
Often Confused With
Immunity is the state of being protected or exempt, while impunity specifically refers to doing something wrong without being punished.
Immunity is the result or state of being resistant, whereas immunization is the process/action of making someone immune.
Usage Notes
In a biological context, it is usually followed by 'to' (e.g., immunity to measles). In a legal context, it is often followed by 'from' (e.g., immunity from taxes).
Common Mistakes
Learners often use the adjective 'immune' when they need the noun 'immunity', for example, saying 'He has immune' instead of 'He has immunity'.
Memory Tip
Think of the word 'Community'. 'Immunity' is what keeps the 'Community' safe from diseases and outside threats.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'immunitas', which referred to exemption from public service or taxes.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The term 'herd immunity' became globally prominent during the COVID-19 pandemic, influencing public health policies worldwide.
Quick Quiz
The witness was granted ______ from prosecution in exchange for providing evidence against the gang leader.
Correct!
The correct answer is: immunity
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
arbiter
B2An arbiter is a person or authority who has the power to settle a dispute or decide what is right, acceptable, or fashionable. It can refer to a formal legal role or a metaphorical judge of cultural and social standards.
arbitrarily
C2To act in a way that is based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason or system. It often implies a decision-making process that is perceived as unfair or lacking logical justification.
arbitrariness
C1The quality of being based on random choice or personal whim rather than any reason, system, or logical necessity. It often describes decisions, rules, or actions that appear unfair or unpredictable because they lack a clear underlying principle.
arbitrator
C2A neutral third party officially appointed to settle a dispute between two conflicting parties outside of a court of law. Their role is to hear evidence from both sides and issue a final, typically legally binding, decision known as an award.
arboreal
B2Arboreal describes animals that live in trees or things relating to trees. It is most commonly used in biological contexts to distinguish tree-dwelling species from those that live on the ground or in water.
appreciate
B2To recognize the full worth or quality of something, or to be grateful for a gesture or action. It can also mean to understand a situation fully or to increase in value over time.
approbate
C1To formally or officially sanction, approve, or authorize an action, document, or status. It is typically used in legal, ecclesiastical, or high-level administrative contexts to indicate authoritative validation.
approve
C1Officially sanctioned or accepted as being of an adequate standard or satisfying certain requirements. It describes something that has received formal authorization or endorsement from a person or body in authority.
apropos
B2Something that is apropos is very appropriate or relevant to a particular situation or subject being discussed. It describes a remark, action, or timing that fits perfectly with the current circumstances.
arboretum
C1A botanical garden specifically devoted to the cultivation and exhibition of a wide variety of trees and shrubs for scientific or educational purposes. It serves as a living collection of woody plants, often featuring rare or non-native species.
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