immune
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.protected from a specific disease because your body has already fought it or you had a vaccine.
adj.possessing a specific biological resistance to a pathogen, typically through prior exposure or vaccination.
Simple“Most people are now immune to the virus thanks to the successful vaccination program.”
In context“The researchers discovered that a small percentage of the population was naturally immune to the strain due to a rare genetic mutation.”
UsageUsually followed by the preposition 'to'.
PitfallHe is immune from the flu. He is immune to the flu.When talking about diseases or physical effects, use the preposition 'to'.
Antonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
adj.not affected by a rule, tax, or punishment that other people have to deal with.
adj.exempt from a duty, legal obligation, or the effects of a particular law or authority.
Simple“Diplomats are often immune from local laws while they are working in a foreign country.”
In context“The former head of state argued that he was immune from prosecution for actions taken during his time in office.”
UsageOften followed by the preposition 'from' in legal contexts.
- 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not influenced or hurt by something like criticism or bad weather.
adj.not susceptible to or affected by a particular influence, emotion, or external pressure.
Simple“After years in politics, she became immune to the harsh comments in the newspapers.”
In context“No company is entirely immune to the fluctuations of the global economy, regardless of its size or previous success.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a person who cannot catch a certain disease.
n.an individual who is not susceptible to a specific infection or disease.
Simple“The scientists studied the immunes to understand how their bodies resisted the infection.”
In context“The study focused on the long-term antibody levels of the immunes compared to those who had recently recovered from the illness.”
Usage immune system · immune response · immune cells
“If outside immune cells could enter the brain in some people, perhaps the process was not rare at all.”
“Second, the immune response tends to be highly specific, meaning it may recognize only the exact drug used in the vaccine.”
From Middle English, from Middle French immun, from Latin immūnis (“exempt from public service”), from in- (“not”) + mūnus (“service”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.