immune

/ɪˈmjuːn/

Say it: ih-MYOON

1. adjective Protected from a particular disease, typically through the presence of antibodies.
Once you've had the chickenpox, you are generally immune for life.
2. adjective Not affected or influenced by something that is a problem for others.
He seemed immune to the constant criticism from the press.
3. adjective Exempt from a particular charge, obligation, or penalty.
As a diplomat, she is immune from prosecution in this country.

📖 Seen in the wild

After receiving the vaccination, she was immune to the virus.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ immune in a sentence

The vaccine helps your body build an immune response to the virus.
She had heard the excuse so many times that she was now immune to its charm.
No company, however large, is immune from the effects of a global recession.
The witness was granted a deal that made him immune from any charges related to the case.
I wish I were immune to the temptation of late-night snacks.
For years, the tech industry seemed immune to the boom and bust cycles of the wider economy.
The ancient castle, perched on the cliff, appeared immune to the ravages of time.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

resistant impervious unaffected invulnerable insusceptible protected exempt

resistant · implies a natural or partial ability to withstand something, not necessarily complete protection.

impervious · suggests an impenetrable barrier, often used for emotions or criticism.

unaffected · focuses on a lack of emotional or internal response to an outside influence.

invulnerable · a stronger term implying that one cannot be harmed or damaged at all.

Opposites: susceptible, vulnerable, liable, subject to, unprotected

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'immune' traces back to the Latin word 'immunis', which meant 'exempt from public service or duty'. This original sense of legal exemption is still used today, as in 'immune from prosecution'. Over time, the meaning broadened metaphorically to describe being 'exempt' from disease, which is now its most common use.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

immune systemimmune responseimmune to criticismimmune from prosecutionbecome immune to

A key point of usage is the preposition that follows 'immune'. Use 'immune to' when talking about diseases or influences, such as being 'immune to the flu' or 'immune to persuasion'. Use 'immune from' when referring to legal or official exemptions, like being 'immune from prosecution' or 'immune from taxes'. Confusing these two is a common error.

Word family: immunity, immunize, immunization, immunology, immunologist

💬 Quick answers

What does it mean to be immune?

To be immune means you are protected from or not affected by something. This can be a disease, a criticism, or a legal duty.

What's the difference between 'immune' and 'resistant'?

Immune usually implies complete protection, often acquired through a vaccine or prior infection. Resistant suggests a natural or partial ability to withstand something, but not necessarily total protection.

Which preposition follows immune: 'to' or 'from'?

Use 'immune to' for diseases and influences (immune to the flu, immune to persuasion). Use 'immune from' for legal or official exemptions (immune from prosecution, immune from taxes).

What is the noun for immune?

The noun is 'immunity', which refers to the state of being immune, as in 'herd immunity' or 'diplomatic immunity'.

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