Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

immunity

Syllabification: (im·mu·ni·ty)
Pronunciation: /iˈmyo͞onitē/
Translate immunity | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of immunity

noun (plural immunities)

  • the ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin by the action of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells:immunity to typhoid seems to have increased spontaneously
  • protection or exemption from something, especially an obligation or penalty:the rebels were given immunity from prosecution
  • Law officially granted exemption from legal proceedings.
  • (immunity to) lack of susceptibility, especially to something unwelcome or harmful:products must have an adequate level of immunity to interference exercises designed to build an immunity to fatigue

Origin:

late Middle English (in the sense 'exemption (from a liability)'): from Latin immunitas, from immunis (see immune)

immunity in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of immunity in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kər /
noun
an aggressive dog or one that is in poor condition …