immunize

especially British, im·mu·nise

[im-yuh-nahyz, ih-myoo-nahyz]

verb (used with object)

immunized, immunizing 

1. to make immune, or protected from a disease or the like.

   They are organizing a massive health campaign to immunize millions of children.

   George Washington's army immunized its soldiers against smallpox.

2. to shield, exempt, or protect.

   There is no moral or legal basis for immunizing victorious nations from scrutiny over their actions in a war.

3. Law.,  to grant (a witness) exemption from criminal prosecution, legal liability, or punishment on certain conditions.

   In exchange for her testimony, the court agreed to immunize the witness against prosecution for criminal activities committed during the relevant period.

immunize

/ ˈɪmjʊˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to make immune, esp by inoculation

Other Word Forms

• immunizer noun
• immunization noun
• hyperimmunize verb (used with object)
• overimmunize verb (used with object)

Word History and Origins

Origin of immunize¹

First recorded in 1890–95; immune + -ize

Example Sentences

The CDC earlier this year rescinded its recommendation that all pregnant women be vaccinated for COVID, instead saying they offer “no guidance” on immunizing healthy pregnant women.

From Los Angeles Times

Those who have not been immunized are at higher risk of infection.

From Los Angeles Times

Stepping above means spending more on finer tailoring and materials, but wealth doesn’t necessarily immunize people from the otherworldly allure of chunky jewelry.

From Salon

And these viral genes may protect us against other viral infections in some cases, or provide antiviral resistance, immunizing rare individuals against HIV for example.

From Salon

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced this week that he was rescinding the federal government’s recommendation that pregnant women and healthy children get immunized against COVID, effective immediately.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• inoculate 
• protect 
• vaccinate 

When To Use

What’s the difference between immunize, vaccinate, and inoculate?

In the context of medicine, immunize, inoculate, and vaccinate are often used in overlapping ways, and for good reason—they all involve introducing a substance (especially a vaccine) into a person’s body with the goal of preventing them from getting a particular disease.Vaccinate is the most specific of the three terms, because it always involves introducing a vaccine, which usually consists of a small amount of a killed, weakened, or otherwise modified version of a disease (such as a virus or bacterium). While inoculate has other meanings outside the context of medicine, in modern healthcare it’s typically used interchangeably with vaccinate (though it’s used less commonly).Immunize is slightly different—it means to provide immunity from a specific disease. While the goal of vaccinating someone is often to immunize them, not all vaccines provide permanent immunity. Some vaccines provide what amounts to long-term immunity, while others only lead to temporary protection, after which the body “forgets” how to make certain antibodies. In these cases, a booster shot or dose is often required, consisting of a follow-up vaccination to boost or renew the protection gained from the earlier vaccination.Want to learn more? Read the full breakdown of the difference between immunize, vaccinate, and inoculate.