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Definition of impunity

impunity

/ɪmˈpjuːnəti/
im · pu · ni · ty
Plural:impunities
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impunity Lexical Profile

impunity Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action.

Example

"The corporation polluted the river with impunity for decades before stricter environmental laws were enforced."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for impunity
Antonyms
View all antonyms for impunity

Word Nuance & Usage

Do not confuse 'impunity' (exemption from punishment) with 'immunity' (protection from legal prosecution or disease); 'impunity' is most commonly used in the phrase 'with impunity' to describe acting without fear of consequences.

• Rhymes for impunity

• Nearby Words

impulsively
impulsiveness
impulsivity
impunity
impure
impurely
impurity

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the mid-16th century from Middle French impunité or directly from Latin impunitas ('freedom from punishment'), formed from in- ('not') and poena ('penalty, punishment').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Impunity. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/impunity
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