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noun Common

immunity

ih-MYOO-nuh-tee

Immunity (noun) means the body's ability to resist a particular disease. Example: “Breastfeeding can pass some immunity from mother to baby.”

noun
1
The body's ability to resist a particular disease.
"Breastfeeding can pass some immunity from mother to baby."
2
An official exemption from a duty, penalty, or prosecution.
"The witness was granted immunity in exchange for testifying."

How to use immunity

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishProtection from disease, or a formal exemption from punishment or duty.

Common pairings
grant immunity diplomatic immunity build immunity

Word forms

immunities plural

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Breastfeeding can pass some _____ from mother to baby.

Etymology

From Old French immunite, from Latin immunitas; immune plus -ity.

Origin: Latin

resistance protection impunity indemnity privilege resilience exemption free pass get out of jail free card

Antonyms

Related words

Rhymes for immunity

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Frequently asked questions

What does “immunity” mean?

The word “immunity” means the body's ability to resist a particular disease. In plain terms, protection from disease, or a formal exemption from punishment or duty.

How do you pronounce “immunity”?

“Immunity” is pronounced ih-MYOO-nuh-tee (/ɪˈmjuːnəti/ in IPA).

How do you use “immunity” in a sentence?

Here is “immunity” used in a sentence: “Breastfeeding can pass some immunity from mother to baby.”

What is another word for “immunity”?

Words with a similar meaning to “immunity” include exemption, free pass and get out of jail free card.

What is the opposite of “immunity”?

The opposite of “immunity” — its antonyms — is susceptibility.

What part of speech is “immunity”?

“Immunity” is a noun.

Where does the word “immunity” come from?

The word “immunity” comes from Latin. From Old French immunite, from Latin immunitas; immune plus -ity.

Is “immunity” a common word?

“Immunity” is a fairly common word in modern English.

What is the difference between immunity and immunization?

Immunity is the body's ability to resist a particular disease, while immunization is the process of creating that immunity, usually through vaccination. Immunization is the method, and immunity is the result.

What is the difference between innate and adaptive immunity?

Innate immunity is the body's general, first-line defense that you are born with, while adaptive immunity develops over time as the body learns to recognize specific pathogens. Innate immunity is immediate and broad, whereas adaptive immunity is targeted and builds up through exposure.

What are common collocations with immunity?

Immunity appears in phrases such as 'herd immunity,' 'diplomatic immunity,' 'natural immunity,' and 'grant immunity.' 'Herd immunity' refers to a population's resistance to a disease when a large share of its members are immune.

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Definitions: FreeDict original editorial