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immune

adj. · n.
US //ˌɪmˈjun// UK //ɪmjˈuːn// im·mune
  1. 1 resistant to disease (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    protected from a specific disease because your body has already fought it or you had a vaccine.

    possessing a specific biological resistance to a pathogen, typically through prior exposure or vaccination.

    Example

    Most people are now immune to the virus thanks to the successful vaccination program.

    Example

    The researchers discovered that a small percentage of the population was naturally immune to the strain due to a rare genetic mutation.

    Usage

    Usually followed by the preposition 'to'.
    Pitfall
    He is immune from the flu.
    He is immune to the flu.

    When talking about diseases or physical effects, use the preposition 'to'.

  2. 2 exempt from rules (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Law

    not affected by a rule, tax, or punishment that other people have to deal with.

    exempt from a duty, legal obligation, or the effects of a particular law or authority.

    Example

    Diplomats are often immune from local laws while they are working in a foreign country.

    Example

    The former head of state argued that he was immune from prosecution for actions taken during his time in office.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'from' in legal contexts.
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  1. 3 not affected by something (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    not influenced or hurt by something like criticism or bad weather.

    not susceptible to or affected by a particular influence, emotion, or external pressure.

    Example

    After years in politics, she became immune to the harsh comments in the newspapers.

    Example

    No company is entirely immune to the fluctuations of the global economy, regardless of its size or previous success.
  2. 4 a protected person (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Medicine

    a person who cannot catch a certain disease.

    an individual who is not susceptible to a specific infection or disease.

    Example

    The scientists studied the immunes to understand how their bodies resisted the infection.

    Example

    The study focused on the long-term antibody levels of the immunes compared to those who had recently recovered from the illness.

Origin

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

Word family

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