noun
impunity
ihm-PYOO-nih-tee
noun
1
Freedom from punishment or consequences for something wrong you've done.
"The dictator ruled for decades with impunity, never facing trial for his crimes."
"You can't just break the rules with impunity and expect no one to notice."
How to Use Impunity
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishGetting away with something — acting badly without being punished for it.
Common mistake
Almost always used in the phrase "with impunity" — it's rarely a standalone subject or object.
Common pairings
act with impunity
with total impunity
impunity for crimes
Word Forms
impunities plural
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The dictator ruled for decades with _____, never facing trial for his crimes.
Etymology
From Middle French impunité, from Latin impunitas, built from impunis, "without punishment."