Immune
/ɪˈmjuːn/noun
Protected from a disease or exempt from an obligation or penalty.
Did you know?Immune comes from Latin *immunis*, meaning “exempt from public service” or “free from a burden,” and that same root helped shape words for duty, service, and even the idea of community obligation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mey-
“To change, exchange, or go about social duties and obligations.”
Latin
Latin
munis
“Obligated, serviceable, or performing public duty.”
Latin
Latin
immunis
“Exempt from public service, free from a burden or duty.”
Late Latin
Latin
immunis
“Free from taxes, service, or liability; not liable to a charge.”
Old French
Old French
immune
“Exempt, protected, or not subject to an obligation.”
Modern English
English
immune
“Protected against a disease or exempt from something.”
Explore more surprising origins