immunize
immunize Lexical Profile
immunize Game Scores & Validity
• verb
To make a person or animal resistant to a particular infectious disease or pathogen, typically by administering a vaccine.
"Public health clinics work tirelessly to immunize children against measles and polio before they start school."
To protect, shield, or grant exemption to someone or something from a harmful influence, risk, or legal liability.
"Diversifying the investment portfolio helped immunize the pension fund against sudden market fluctuations."
Word Nuance & Usage
While often used interchangeably in everyday speech, 'vaccinate' refers specifically to the physical administration of a vaccine, whereas 'immunize' refers to the resulting process of becoming immune to a disease.
• Rhymes for immunize
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the late 19th century from 'immune' plus the verbal suffix '-ize', ultimately deriving from Latin 'immunis', meaning 'exempt from public service or taxation'.