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Definition of vaccinate

vaccinate

/ˈvæk.sɪ.neɪt/
vac · ci · nate
Adjective:vaccinated
•
Past Simple:vaccinated
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Past Participle:vaccinated
•
Present Participle:vaccinating
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vaccinate Lexical Profile

vaccinate Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To administer a vaccine to a person or animal in order to stimulate the immune system and develop protection against a specific infectious disease.

Example

"Public health clinics worked throughout the autumn to vaccinate vulnerable residents against the seasonal flu."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for vaccinate

Word Nuance & Usage

While often used interchangeably in everyday speech, 'vaccinate' specifically refers to the physical act of administering a vaccine, whereas 'immunize' refers to the resulting biological process of becoming immune to a disease.

• Rhymes for vaccinate

• Nearby Words

vacationland
vacaville
vacay
vaccinate
vaccination
vaccinator
vaccine

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the early 19th century from New Latin 'vaccina' (cowpox), deriving from Latin 'vacca' (cow), after English physician Edward Jenner discovered in 1796 that inoculation with cowpox protected humans against smallpox.

Cite this Entry

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