immunizing
|im-mu-ni-zing|
/ɪˈmjuːnaɪz/
(immunize)
make immune / protect
Etymology
'immunize' originates from Modern Latin/Neo-Latin, specifically from Late Latin 'immunizare' derived from Latin 'immunis' meaning 'exempt, free (from public service or duty)', with the agent-forming suffix '-ize' from Greek via Latin.
'immunis' (Latin) gave rise to Late Latin/Neo-Latin 'immunizare' and French/vernacular forms, which entered English as 'immunize' in the 19th century, later producing forms like 'immunizing'.
Initially it meant 'to make exempt (from a duty or tax)', but over time it evolved to the modern primary sense 'to render immune (especially against disease)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of immunizing (used as a gerund noun): the process of making immune or protected.
Immunizing before an outbreak can reduce the number of cases.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund of 'immunize': making (a person or animal) immune to a disease, especially by vaccination; conferring immunity.
The clinic is immunizing children against measles this week.
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Adjective 1
providing or conferring immunity; having the quality of making someone or something immune.
They noted an immunizing effect after the new vaccine was introduced.
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Last updated: 2025/11/27 14:53