immunize
UK: ˈɪm.jʊ.naɪz | US: ˈɪm.jə.naɪz
vt. to make someone or something resistant to a disease, typically by inoculation
vt. to protect or shield someone from something harmful or undesirable
The root "immun" derives from Latin immunis, meaning "exempt from public service" or "free from burden" (in- "not" + munis "service, duty"). Over time, it evolved to signify biological resistance, particularly in the context of disease. The suffix "-ize" (from Greek -izein) converts nouns into verbs, giving "immunize" its modern meaning of "to make resistant." The word reflects a logical progression from legal exemption to biological protection.
Vaccines help immunize children against measles.
The new policy aims to immunize the economy from future crises.
Farmers immunize livestock to prevent outbreaks.
Education can immunize people against misinformation.
The software update will immunize the system from cyberattacks.