Immunity
/ɪˈmjuː.nɪ.ti/noun
The state of being resistant to a specific infectious disease or condition.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, 'immunitas' granted not just health but also freedom from duty, revealing how protection was intertwined with privilege and power.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mei-
“to change, to exchange, to eliminate.”
Latin
Latin
immunis
“exempt from public service or duty, free from burdens.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
immunitas
“freedom from duty, exemption.”
Old French
Old French
immunité
“exemption from obligations or penalties.”
Middle English
Middle English
immunite
“state of being exempt or free from disease or obligation.”
Modern English
English
immunity
“resistance to disease or the state of being exempt.”