Immunity: meaning, definitions and examples

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immunity

 

[ ɪˈmjuːnɪti ]

Context #1

medical

Immunity refers to the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

Synonyms

defense, protection, resistance

Examples of usage

  • Vaccination can help boost immunity against certain diseases.
  • Some individuals have a natural immunity to certain viruses.
Context #2

legal

Immunity can also refer to the exemption from a legal duty, penalty, or prosecution.

Synonyms

exemption, privilege

Examples of usage

  • Diplomatic immunity protects diplomats from certain legal actions in a host country.
  • Witnesses may be granted immunity in exchange for their testimony.

Translations

Translations of the word "immunity" in other languages:

🇵🇹 imunidade

🇮🇳 प्रतिरक्षा

🇩🇪 Immunität

🇮🇩 imunitas

🇺🇦 імунітет

🇵🇱 odporność

🇯🇵 免疫 (めんえき)

🇫🇷 immunité

🇪🇸 inmunidad

🇹🇷 bağışıklık

🇰🇷 면역 (myeonyeok)

🇸🇦 مناعة

🇨🇿 imunita

🇸🇰 imunita

🇨🇳 免疫 (miǎnyì)

🇸🇮 imuniteta

🇮🇸 ónæmi

🇰🇿 иммунитет

🇬🇪 იმუნიტეტი

🇦🇿 immunitet

🇲🇽 inmunidad

Word origin

The word 'immunity' originated from the Latin word 'immunitas', meaning exemption from public service or obligation. It was first used in the 16th century to describe the body's resistance to disease. Over time, the term expanded to include legal immunity as well.