autoimmunize
|au-to-im-mu-nize|
🇺🇸
/ˌɔːtoʊɪˈmjuːnaɪz/
🇬🇧
/ˌɔːtəʊɪˈmjuːnaɪz/
self-directed immune attack
Etymology
'autoimmunize' is formed from the Greek prefix 'auto-' meaning 'self' plus the element 'immune' (from Latin 'immunis' meaning 'exempt, protected') and the verb-forming suffix '-ize' (from Greek '-izein' via French/Latin).
'immune' comes from Latin 'immunis' and entered English via French; the compound combining 'auto-' + 'immune' + '-ize' arose in modern medical English in the 20th century to describe immune reactions directed at the self.
Originally the components referred separately to 'self' and being 'exempt/protected'; combined in medical usage the term came to mean 'cause or undergo immunity directed at the self' (i.e., autoimmunity).
Meanings by Part of Speech
Verb 1
to induce an autoimmune response in (a person or animal), causing the immune system to attack the body's own tissues.
Experimental exposure to certain proteins can autoimmunize laboratory animals.
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Verb 2
to develop an autoimmune response oneself (intransitive): to become subject to autoimmunity.
Some patients autoimmunize after certain infections.
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Last updated: 2025/11/26 02:54