noun

immunity

ih-MYOO-nuh-tee/ɪˈmjuːnəti/

Protection from the effects of a specified threat.

Antibodies bind to invading viruses and help provide immunity against infection.

Protective antibodies bind invading virus particles, restrained scientific illustration.

Etymology

imLatinnot

+munLatinperforming services

+ityLatinstate or quality

The pieces name a state of exemption from service or obligation. Legal immunity preserves this idea of exemption, while medical immunity applies it to protection from infectious disease.

In context

Jubilee25:05

even though you've gotten some protection from getting the vaccine in a short period of time that immunity wains

Doctor Mike vs 20 Anti-Vaxxers | Surrounded

More examples

The vaccine helps the body develop immunity to the disease.
The witness receives immunity from prosecution in exchange for her testimony.
Fame offers no immunity from criticism.

Forms

immunity · immunities

immune adjective — Protected from a particular disease or harm.

immunize verb — To provide protection against a particular disease.

Similar words

resistance: Suggests an ability to withstand harm, not necessarily complete protection.
protection: Broader term covering safeguards that reduce or prevent harm.
exemption: Specifically releases someone from a requirement, duty, or liability.