immunize

/ˌɪmjəˈnaɪz/

Other forms: immunized; immunizing; immunizes

To immunize someone is to give them a vaccine that protects them against disease. A child's pediatrician can immunize her against measles, polio, and mumps, among many other illnesses.

Vaccines work by arming your immune system against being infected — in other words, they produce immunity, or immunize you. In some cases, being exposed to a disease can also immunize you; if you've had chicken pox, you are most likely immune to it and won't get it again. There is also a legal meaning of immunize, "To make legally immune," or "to protect from being prosecuted in court." The Latin root, immunis, means "exempt" or "free."

Definitions of immunize

1. verb

   perform vaccinations or produce immunity in by inoculation
   synonyms: immunise, inoculate, vaccinate

   type of:

   inject, shoot

   give an injection to
2. verb

   law: grant immunity from prosecution
   synonyms: immunise

   type of:

   protect, secure

   shield from danger, injury, destruction, or damage