Words / B2

IM-y-uh-nyz/ˈɪmjənaɪz/

To immunise (UK) is to protect against disease by vaccination: immunise staff; immunise a population. US spelling is immunize. Vaccinate is the everyday twin. The trust will immunise staff. Noun: immunisation. Do not write immunise for “make someone immune to criticism”.

Meaning

To protect someone against a disease by vaccination (UK spelling).

Examples

• “The trust will immunise staff before the winter ward rotation.”
• “US papers prefer immunize; UK boards still use immunise, which is a spelling point.”

Good to know

immunise against; immunise a cohort. US: immunize. Everyday: vaccinate. Noun: immunisation. NHS and biology. Literal disease sense in exams.

Near in meaning

vaccinate

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