immunization
🇺🇸 /ˌɪmjuːnəˈzeɪʃən/
📖 Definitions
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noun
The process of making a person or animal immune to a disease, typically by administering a vaccine that stimulates the production of antibodies.; The state of being immune to a particular disease or pathogen, whether acquired naturally or artificially.; A specific dose or series of doses of a vaccine administered to confer immunity.; In finance, a strategy of matching the duration of assets and liabilities to protect a portfolio against interest rate risk.; The act or process of rendering something resistant or protected against a particular influence or effect.
🔗 Details
Word forms
countable / uncountable
Plural: immunizations
Collocations
immunization programimmunization schedulechildhood immunizationimmunization coverageimmunization recordroutine immunization
Derivatives
immunizeimmuneimmunityimmunologyimmunologicalimmunologistimmunosuppressionimmunodeficiency
Synonyms
vaccinationinoculationimmunisation
Commonly confused
vaccination
EN: 'Vaccination' refers specifically to the act of administering a vaccine, while 'immunization' refers to the broader process of becoming immune, which can result from vaccination or natural infection.
immunity
EN: 'Immunity' is the state of being immune (a condition), while 'immunization' is the process or act of making someone immune.
Spelling tips
EN: British English uses 'immunisation' (with 's'), while American English uses 'immunization' (with 'z'). Both are correct in their respective varieties.
💬 Examples
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The child received his first immunization against measles at twelve months old.
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After recovering from chickenpox, she had lifelong immunization against the virus.
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The clinic offered free immunizations for influenza to all residents over sixty-five.
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The pension fund used immunization to ensure that its assets would meet future obligations regardless of interest rate fluctuations.
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The software update provided immunization against the latest known malware threats.