ENGLISH
REFERENCE

immune

n.
B2 Upper Intermediate Oxford US //ˌɪmˈjun// UK //ɪmjˈuːn// im·mune Archaic General-service

n. protected from a disease because your body knows how to fight it. It can also mean that you are not affected by something bad, like criticism or a rule.

n. resistant to a particular infection or toxin owing to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells. In a figurative sense, it describes being exempt from or unaffected by an influence, obligation, or penalty.


SIMPLE

Most people are immune to the virus after they get the vaccine.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor explained that once you have had the chickenpox, you are usually immune for the rest of your life.

COMPLEX

The diplomat was immune from local prosecution under international law, a status that caused significant tension during the high-profile investigation.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English, from Middle French immun, from Latin immūnis (“exempt from public service”), from in- (“not”) + mūnus (“service”).

Usage

Often takes the preposition 'to' when referring to biological resistance or emotional indifference, and 'from' when referring to legal or official exemptions.

Pitfall

he is immune of the diseasehe is immune to the diseaseThe adjective typically pairs with 'to' or 'from' rather than 'of'.

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