Invulnerability Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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invulnerability

[ษชnหŒvสŒlnษ™rษ™หˆbษชlษ™ti ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

ability to resist damage

Invulnerability is the state of being immune to or protected from harm, injury, or damage. It is the quality of being invincible or indestructible, often associated with superheroes or mythical characters.

Synonyms

immunity, indestructibility, invincibility.

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Word Description / Examples
invulnerability

Use when referring to being completely safe from harm or damage, often in an emotional, mental, or metaphorical context.

  • After years of practice, she built an invulnerability to criticism
  • The superhero's invulnerability to any physical attack made him formidable
immunity

Most commonly used in the context of diseases and legal protection; it means being exempt from something harmful or unwanted.

  • The vaccine gave her immunity against the flu
  • The diplomat had immunity from prosecution under international law
indestructibility

Describes the ability to withstand great force or pressure without being destroyed, often related to physical objects.

  • The indestructibility of the black box is crucial for airplane safety
  • The fortress was known for its indestructibility during medieval wars
invincibility

Conveys a sense of being too powerful to be defeated or overcome, can be used both literally and metaphorically.

  • His sense of invincibility led him to take unnecessary risks
  • The army felt a sense of invincibility after consecutive victories

Examples of usage

  • The superhero's invulnerability allowed him to withstand any attack.
  • The magical shield granted invulnerability to the warrior.
Context #2 | Noun

feeling of being untouchable

Invulnerability can also refer to a feeling of being untouchable or impervious to criticism, failure, or negative emotions. It is a sense of being invincible or above reproach.

Synonyms

imperviousness, inviolability, untouchability.

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Word Description / Examples
invulnerability

Often used in the context of someone or something being immune to harm or damage. Can refer to both physical and emotional contexts.

  • The superhero's invulnerability made him undefeatable in battle.
  • Her emotional invulnerability made it difficult for anyone to hurt her feelings.
untouchability

Often used in a social or emotional context to describe a state of being completely unreachable or beyond reach. Has a historical and potentially negative connotation when referring to social practices, particularly tied to caste systems.

  • In the medieval caste system, untouchability was forcefully imposed upon certain groups.
  • Her self-imposed untouchability made her seem aloof and distant.
imperviousness

This word typically describes a state of being unaffected or unharmed by external forces, often used in relation to physical materials or psychological resilience.

  • The waterproof coating gives the fabric imperviousness to water.
  • Her imperviousness to criticism was admired by her colleagues.
inviolability

Usually used in legal, moral, or religious contexts to describe something that must not be broken, violated, or infringed upon. It often refers to sacred or protected principles and rights.

  • The inviolability of human rights is a core principle of the organization.
  • The inviolability of the ancient temple was respected by everyone.

Examples of usage

  • His arrogance stemmed from a misplaced sense of invulnerability.
  • She projected an aura of invulnerability that intimidated others.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

  • Superheroes like Superman epitomize invulnerability, often facing threats without fear of injury.
  • In video games, characters may obtain 'invulnerability' shields or power-ups to become temporarily immune to damage.
  • In literature, characters representing invulnerability often symbolize unyielding strength or moral conviction.

Psychology

  • People may exhibit a psychological sense of invulnerability, believing they are immune to the dangers that affect others.
  • This phenomenon can influence risky behavior, particularly in adolescents who may feel invincible.
  • Understanding invulnerability can help in therapy, addressing fears or unrealistic self-perceptions.

Science

  • Certain animals, like certain species of jellyfish and the axolotl, exhibit biological forms of invulnerability by regenerating and surviving extreme environments.
  • The concept of invulnerable systems in engineering relates to structures designed to withstand disasters, like earthquakes.
  • Research in immunology explores how certain individuals can be less susceptible to specific diseases due to genetic factors.

Philosophy

  • The idea of invulnerability raises questions about the nature of human experience and the acceptance of flaws.
  • Some philosophical discussions suggest that the pursuit of invulnerability can lead to a disconnect from reality and potential isolation.
  • Ethics often examines the implications of seeking invulnerability in oneself or within societal constructs.

Origin of 'invulnerability'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'invulnerabilis', meaning 'not able to be wounded'.
  • It combines the prefix 'in-' (not) and 'vulnerabilis' (able to be wounded).
  • The concept has roots in ancient words that relate to harm and protection.

The word 'invulnerability' originated from the Latin word 'invulnerabilis', which is a combination of 'in-' meaning 'not' and 'vulnerabilis' meaning 'able to be wounded'. The concept of invulnerability has been a common theme in mythology and folklore, often associated with gods, heroes, and legendary creatures who possess the ability to withstand any harm or injury.


See also: invulnerable, vulnerabilities, vulnerably.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,615 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.