Immune

Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ɪˈmjuːn/

Definitions

• Protected or exempt from something, especially a disease or obligation.
• Having resistance to a particular infection or toxin due to the presence of specific antibodies or sensitized white blood cells.

Usage Examples

• "He was immune to the virus after vaccination."
• "Some people are immune to criticism."
• "Diplomats are immune from prosecution in many countries."

Etymology

From Latin *immunis*, meaning 'exempt, free,' from *in-* (not) + *munis* (ready for service).

Synonyms

• Resistant
• Exempt
• Insusceptible
• Unaffected

Antonyms

• Susceptible
• Vulnerable
• Exposed
• Liable

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

American English: /ɪˈmjuːn/; British English: /ɪˈmjuːn/

Historical Usage

Initially used in Roman law to refer to exemption from public service, later adopted in medical terminology to denote resistance to disease.

Cultural Nuances

The term often carries symbolic meaning, such as being emotionally or psychologically immune to criticism, loss, or stress in literature and pop culture.

More Information

"Immune" not only refers to medical immunity but is widely used in law, psychology, and social discourse. The immune system is a fundamental part of human health, and immunity may be acquired naturally or through vaccination. Figuratively, being immune to influence or temptation is common in everyday speech.