diplomatic immunity
noun
exemption from taxation, searches, arrest, etc., enjoyed by diplomatic officials and their dependent families under international law, and usually on a reciprocal basis.
Origin of diplomatic immunity
First recorded in 1910–15
Words nearby diplomatic immunity
diplomat,
diplomate,
diplomatic,
diplomatic bag,
diplomatic corps,
diplomatic immunity,
diplomatic pouch,
diplomatic secretary,
diplomatic service,
diplomatics,
diplomatist
British Dictionary definitions for diplomatic immunity
diplomatic immunity
noun
the immunity from local jurisdiction and exemption from taxation in the country to which they are accredited afforded to diplomats
Cultural definitions for diplomatic immunity
diplomatic immunity
Exemption of diplomats — ambassadors and other representatives of a foreign nation — from the laws of the nation to which they are assigned.
notes for diplomatic immunity
Foreign representatives have sometimes gone unpunished for serious crimes after claiming diplomatic immunity. The main purpose of diplomatic immunity, however, is to protect diplomats from harassment or arrest by their host government.