immunise
UK: ˈɪm.jʊ.naɪz | US: ˈɪm.jə.naɪz
vt. to make someone or something immune to a disease, typically by vaccination
vt. to protect or shield from harm or negative influence
immunise = immun<free, exempt> + ise<verb suffix (cause to be)>
- immun<free, exempt>: From Latin immunis ("exempt from public service or charge"), combining in- (not) + munis (bound, obligated). Originally referred to legal exemptions, later extended to biological immunity.
- ise<verb suffix>: A variant of -ize, derived from Greek -izein, used to form verbs meaning "to cause to be or become."
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin immunis, reflecting societal concepts of exemption (e.g., from taxes or duties). By the 19th century, it was adopted into medical vocabulary to describe resistance to disease, with -ise added to signify the act of inducing immunity. The evolution mirrors humanity’s shift from legal to biological protection.
Vaccines are used to immunise children against measles.
The new policy aims to immunise the economy from future crises.
Farmers immunise livestock to prevent outbreaks.
Education can immunise people against misinformation.
The software update will immunise the system from cyberattacks.