impunity

noun im·pu·ni·ty \im-ˈpyü-nə-tē\

: freedom from punishment, harm, or loss

Full Definition of IMPUNITY

: exemption or freedom from punishment, harm, or loss <laws were flouted with impunity>

See impunity defined for English-language learners

See impunity defined for kids

Origin of IMPUNITY

Middle French or Latin; Middle French impunité, from Latin impunitat-, impunitas, from impune without punishment, from in- + poena punishment — more at pain

First Known Use: 1532

Related to IMPUNITY

Synonyms: exemption, immunity

Rhymes with IMPUNITY

community, disunity, immunity

Learn More About IMPUNITY

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "impunity"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "impunity"

Nglish: Translation of "impunity" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "impunity" for Arabic speakers

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: impurePrevious Word in the Dictionary: impuniblyAll Words Near: impunity

Seen & Heard

What made you want to look up impunity? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

View Seen & Heard Highlights from Around the Site

Test Your Vocabulary!

10 Charming Words for Nasty People

Put-downs with flair

Learn More

When "Literally" isn't, well, literal

How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.

Watch Now

Know what this is?

Test your vocab with our fun, fast game

Go Play

Fear of cats?

Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears

Learn More