Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Vaccinate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’‰
Add to dictionary

vaccinate

[หˆvรฆk.sษช.neษชt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

public health

To administer a vaccine to (a person or animal) to produce immunity against a specific disease.

Synonyms

immunize, inoculate, protect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vaccinate

Used when referring specifically to administering a vaccine to an individual to provide immunity against a disease.

  • The clinic will vaccinate all children against measles next week.
  • We need to vaccinate as many people as possible to achieve herd immunity.
inoculate

Often used interchangeably with vaccinate, but can also refer to the introduction of any antigenic substance into the body. It is sometimes used in more technical or historical contexts.

  • Doctors inoculate people to protect them from infectious diseases.
  • In the 18th century, people used to inoculate with smallpox to induce immunity.
immunize

A more general term that refers to the process of making a person or animal immune to infection, typically through vaccination.

  • Immunize your pets to prevent the spread of rabies.
  • The government has launched a campaign to immunize the population against the flu.
protect

A broader term that encompasses various methods to shield someone from disease, including but not limited to vaccination.

  • Wear a mask to protect yourself and others.
  • Good hygiene is essential to protect against infections.

Examples of usage

  • The government launched a campaign to vaccinate the entire population against the flu.
  • It is important to vaccinate your pets to protect them from harmful diseases.
Context #2 | Verb

general

To treat with a vaccine to produce immunity against a disease.

Synonyms

immunize, inoculate, protect.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
vaccinate

This term is commonly used in medical and everyday conversations to describe the process of giving vaccines to prevent diseases.

  • Doctors recommend that all children be vaccinated against measles
  • She decided to vaccinate her dog against rabies
immunize

Often used in clinical or scientific discussions, this word emphasizes the result of becoming immune to a disease, rather than the act itself.

  • The campaign aims to immunize all citizens against influenza
  • Researchers are working on new ways to immunize people against emerging viruses
protect

Used in a general context, this word refers to safeguarding someone from harm or danger, including diseases. It has a broader meaning and is less specific to medical actions.

  • Wearing a mask helps protect others from the spread of germs
  • Parents want to protect their children from different types of illnesses
inoculate

This term is slightly more technical and may be used in medical or historical contexts. It often refers to intentionally introducing a virus or bacteria into the body to stimulate an immune response.

  • Doctors inoculate patients with weakened viruses to build immunity
  • During the 18th century, people were inoculated against smallpox using a primitive method

Examples of usage

  • The doctor recommended that I vaccinate my children against measles.
  • I need to vaccinate myself before traveling to a foreign country.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Context

  • Mass vaccination campaigns began in the 20th century, significantly reducing diseases like polio and measles.
  • In the early 1900s, the smallpox vaccine was made mandatory in several countries, showcasing the importance of vaccinations in public health.
  • The Global Polio Eradication Initiative started in 1988 has helped to reduce cases by over 99% globally, illustrating the power of vaccination.

Science

  • Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific germs without causing the disease.
  • There are different types of vaccines, including live-attenuated, inactivated, and mRNA vaccines, each designed for different immune responses.
  • The concept of herd immunity is crucial in vaccination; when a large portion of the population is vaccinated, it helps protect those who cannot be vaccinated.

Pop Culture

  • Vaccination has been referenced in various films and shows, highlighting its role in stopping global pandemics.
  • In recent years, public figures and celebrities have used their platforms to promote vaccine awareness and combat misinformation.
  • Cartoons and educational programs now include messages about the importance of vaccinations designed to engage children and families.

Psychology

  • Research shows that peopleโ€™s attitudes towards vaccination are heavily influenced by cultural beliefs and social groups.
  • Fear and misinformation can lead to vaccine hesitancy, prompting public health officials to focus on communication strategies to counteract this.
  • Engagement through storytelling has been found effective in changing perceptions about vaccination among skeptical populations.

Origin of 'vaccinate'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'vaccinate' comes from the Latin term 'vaccinus,' meaning 'from cows,' as the first vaccine was derived from cowpox.
  • Edward Jenner, an English doctor, was the first to use vaccination in 1796 when he tested cowpox to protect against smallpox.
  • Over time, the method of vaccination evolved from using animal viruses to more sophisticated techniques, including genetic engineering.

The word 'vaccinate' comes from the Latin word 'vaccinatus', which means 'to inoculate with cowpox'. The practice of vaccination dates back to the late 18th century when Edward Jenner developed the first successful smallpox vaccine. Vaccination has since become a crucial tool in preventing the spread of infectious diseases and has saved countless lives.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,610 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.