Immunity
/ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe ability of an organism to resist a particular infection or toxin due to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.
/ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
Protection from disease
The vaccine grants a strong immunity to the flu.
💡 Simply: Immunity is like your body's superpower! It's how you avoid getting sick from things like colds or the flu. When you get a vaccine, you are building up immunity.
👶 For kids: Immunity is like your body's superhero shield that keeps you from getting sick!
More Examples
After recovering from chickenpox, children often gain natural immunity.
Individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to infections.
How It's Used
"Vaccination provides immunity against certain diseases."
"The body's immune system provides immunity against pathogens."
Exemption from certain obligations or liabilities; legal protection against prosecution.
/ɪˈmjuːnɪti/
Exemption from a duty or penalty
The whistleblower was granted immunity from prosecution.
💡 Simply: Think of it as getting a special pass. For example, a witness in a court case may get immunity, so they can't be punished for anything they say while testifying.
👶 For kids: It's like being excused from something, like a rule or a punishment!
More Examples
Diplomats are granted immunity from local laws in the country they are assigned to.
Some officials have immunity from certain types of lawsuits.
How It's Used
"Witnesses can be granted immunity from prosecution in exchange for their testimony."
"Diplomats enjoy immunity from the laws of their host country."
Idioms & expressions
herd immunity
A form of indirect protection from infectious disease that occurs when a sufficient percentage of a population has become immune to an infection, thereby protecting individuals who are not immune.
"Achieving herd immunity through vaccination is a key public health goal."
From Latin *immunitas* meaning 'exemption from public service, privilege'. It evolved to mean freedom from disease by the 18th century.
The term 'immunity' was used in legal contexts long before its application to medicine. Its use related to legal exemptions pre-dates its use related to biological defense by many centuries. By the late 19th and early 20th century it started being used widely in the context of medical science, particularly with regard to vaccines.
Memory tip
Imagine a shield protecting you from germs – that's immunity.