immunity
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the ability of your body to protect itself from a specific disease or infection.
the physiological state of being resistant to a specific pathogen or toxin, typically through the presence of antibodies or white blood cells.
Simple“The vaccine helps your body build immunity against the flu.”
In context“Natural immunity acquired after an initial infection often provides more robust long-term protection than certain first-generation synthetic vaccines.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'to' or 'against'.
SynonymsAntonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
special protection that means you cannot be punished or sued by the law.
an exemption from a legal obligation, penalty, or the jurisdiction of a court.
Simple“The witness was granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony.”
In context“Diplomatic immunity prevents foreign representatives from being prosecuted under the host country's laws, though this privilege can be waived by their home state.”
UsageCommonly appears in the phrase 'sovereign immunity' or 'diplomatic immunity'.
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
the state of not being affected by something, like criticism or a bad habit.
the quality of being unaffected or influenced by something external, such as social pressure or criticism.
Simple“After years in politics, he had developed an immunity to public criticism.”
In context“The CEO seemed to possess a strange immunity to the anxieties that plagued his subordinates during the merger.”
SynonymsindifferenceinsensitivityAntonyms
“Trump’s lawyers argued that, since the hush-money case presented evidence from his first term as president, it falls under that immunity.”
“If it spreads to neighbouring places with lower immunity, it will be a disaster,” Nasidi added.”
From Middle English immunite, from Old French immunité, from Latin immūnitās, in the legal sense; for the medical use see immunization. Equivalent to immune + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.