impunity etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: impunitas
  • Im- (not) + poena (penalty)

Meaning and Origin

Impunity refers to the exemption or freedom from punishment or consequences for wrongdoing. It originated in Roman law, where it meant "freedom from penalty."

In its original sense, impunity implied that someone could commit a crime or offense without facing any legal or social repercussions. This concept has evolved over time to encompass a broader range of situations where individuals or entities avoid punishment or responsibility for actions that are perceived as wrong or harmful.

Usage

Impunity is often discussed in the context of:

  • Human rights: When individuals or groups are free to commit atrocities or violations without fear of prosecution or accountability.
  • Political corruption: When officials abuse their power and escape punishment or consequences.
  • Corporate misconduct: When companies engage in unethical or illegal activities without facing significant penalties.
  • Environmental degradation: When individuals or industries harm the environment without being held responsible.

The opposite of impunity is accountability, which implies that those who commit wrongdoings are held responsible and face consequences for their actions.

impunity relate terms

  • penal

    Etymology Penal derives from the Latin word poena meaning punishment or penalty

  • impune

    Etymology Impune derives from the Latin word impunis composed of the negative prefix

  • impunity

    Etymology Latin impunitas Im not poena penalty Meaning and Origin Impunity re

  • impugn

    Etymology Latin impugnare to attack assail Latin in in against pugnare t

  • enemy

    Etymology The word enemy comes from the Old French word ennemi which in turn is der

  • embezzlement

    Etymology embezzle 1590s from Middle French embezzler to steal Middle French embe

  • exemption

    Etymology Exemption comes from the Latin word exemptio which means a taking out I

  • freedom

    Etymology Middle English fredom from Old English frēodōm n state of being free

  • desert

    Etymology The word desert comes from the Late Latin word deserere meaning to aband

  • stake

    Etymology The word stake has multiple origins Old English staca meaning a pole o

  • pine

    Etymology The word pine is derived from the Latin word pinus which is believed to h

  • culture

    Etymology and Meaning The word culture is derived from the Latin word colere which m

  • conciliate

    Etymology Latin conciliare to call together reconcile Con together calare to

  • cause

    Etymology The word cause derives from the Old French word cause which itself comes f