immunity
noun
im·mu·ni·ty
| \ i-ˈmyü-nə-tē
\
\
plural immunities
Definition of immunity
: the quality or state of being immune
especially
: a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products
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Examples of immunity in a Sentence
They have developed immunity to the virus.
They have developed an immunity to the virus.
Recent Examples on the Web
Early in the episode, Mark Tuello (Sam Jaeger), a representative of the U.S. Government-in-Exile, came to meet with Serena Waterford (Yvonne Strahovski), a recent defector from Gilead who’d turned in her husband in exchange for immunity. — Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, "When Women Are Accused of Complicity," 17 Aug. 2019 Darby asked the court to hear his case after two lower courts denied his requests for immunity. — Ashley Remkus | [email protected], al, "Alabama Supreme Court won’t hear Huntsville cop’s immunity claim in murder case," 9 Aug. 2019 In additional court records, an attorney with Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost’s office also asks the court to toss out the suit on behalf of UC, contending the school is entitled to sovereign immunity. — Jennifer Edwards Baker, Cincinnati.com, "World-renowned surgeon sues UC, alleges retaliation, sex & military discrimination," 2 Aug. 2019 Meanwhile, the company recently launched a phase 3 study of RTB101 for immunity and prevention of respiratory infections in hundreds of older adults, designed in consultation with the FDA. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Can a single pill keep you healthy to 100?," 10 July 2019 Mash and garnish this fruit with an ounce of pumpkin seeds, which supply plant protein, fiber, heart-healthy fat, zinc for immunity and healing, and magnesium. — Cynthia Sass, Mph, Health.com, "7 Healthy Late-Night Snacks," 3 July 2019 Shapiro argues that passenger pigeon genes related to immunity could help today’s endangered birds survive. — Amy Dockser Marcus, WSJ, "Meet the Scientists Bringing Extinct Species Back From the Dead," 9 Oct. 2018 The Senate Judiciary Committee is also seeking testimony from former deputy FBI director Andrew McCabe, who has asked for criminal immunity in exchange for appearing before the panel. — Karoun Demirjian, chicagotribune.com, "Justice Dept. inspector general, FBI director face Congress on Clinton email report," 18 June 2018 There have been proposals to grant Netanyahu immunity while in office, which 30 percent of right-wing voters support. — Sam Sokol, sun-sentinel.com, "Majority of right-wing Israeli voters want Netanyahu to remain prime minister even if he’s indicted," 14 Aug. 2019These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'immunity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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More Definitions for immunity
immunity
noun
English Language Learners Definition of immunity
medical
: the power to keep yourself from being affected by a disease
: special protection from what is required for most people by law
See the full definition for immunity in the English Language Learners Dictionary
immunity
noun
im·mu·ni·ty
| \ i-ˈmyü-nə-tē
\
\
plural immunities
Kids Definition of immunity
1
: freedom from an obligation or penalty to which others are subject
immunity from punishment
2
: the power to resist infection whether natural or acquired (as by vaccination)
immunity
noun
im·mu·ni·ty
| \ im-ˈyü-nət-ē
\
\
plural immunities
Medical Definition of immunity
: the quality or state of being immune
especially
: a condition of being able to resist a particular disease especially through preventing development of a pathogenic microorganism or by counteracting the effects of its products — see acquired immunity, active immunity, natural immunity, passive immunity
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immunity
noun
im·mu·ni·ty
| \ i-ˈmyü-nə-tē
\
\
plural immunities
Legal Definition of immunity
1
: exemption from a duty or liability that is granted by law to a person or class of persons
a defendant may not take the stand in his own behalf and then claim immunity from cross-examination— W. R. LaFave and A. W. Scott, Jr.
also
: the affirmative defense of having such an exemption
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absolute immunity
: immunity from all personal civil liability without limits or conditions (as a requirement of good faith) — compare qualified immunity in this entry
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charitable immunity
: immunity from civil liability especially for negligent torts that is granted to a charitable or nonprofit organization (as a hospital)
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constitutional immunity
: immunity (as from a tax) that is granted or created by a constitution (as the U.S. Constitution)
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corporate immunity
: immunity from personal liability for tortious acts that is granted to an officer of a corporation who acted in good faith and within the course of his or her duties — see also business judgment rule — compare pierce
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diplomatic immunity
: immunity (as from taxes or prosecution) granted to a diplomat
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discovery immunity
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discretionary immunity
: qualified immunity from civil liability for tortious acts or omissions that arise from a government employee's discretionary acts performed as part of the employee's duties — see also the Federal Tort Claims Act
Note: The Federal Tort Claims Act includes an additional requirement of acting in good faith for the discretionary immunity granted to the federal government.
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executive