impunity
UK: ɪmˈpjuːnɪti | US: ɪmˈpjuːnɪti
n. exemption from punishment or harmful consequences
n. freedom from legal accountability for one's actions
impunity = im<not> + pun<punish> + ity<noun suffix>
- im (prefix): from Latin in- ("not"), negating the root.
- pun (root): from Latin punire ("to punish"), related to poena ("penalty").
- ity (suffix): forms abstract nouns indicating a state or condition (e.g., "immunity," "clarity").
Etymology Origin:
Derived from Latin impunitas, combining in- ("not") + poena ("penalty"), the word originally described legal immunity from punishment. Over time, it broadened to include any escape from consequences, retaining its core logic of negation (im-) and penalty (pun-). The suffix -ity formalizes the abstract concept.
Corrupt officials acted with impunity, knowing they wouldn’t face prosecution.
The lack of enforcement allowed polluters to operate with impunity.
Wealth often grants a false sense of impunity in legal matters.
Journalists criticized the regime’s impunity for human rights violations.
Cybercriminals exploit weak laws to commit fraud with impunity.