diplomatic immunity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal, Legal, Journalistic, Political
Quick answer
What does “diplomatic immunity” mean?
A principle of international law where diplomats are exempt from legal prosecution in the host country.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A principle of international law where diplomats are exempt from legal prosecution in the host country.
Informal metaphorical usage refers to a perceived or claimed exemption from normal rules or consequences due to one's position.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slight preference for 'diplomatic immunity' over 'diplomatic privileges and immunities' in US legal contexts.
Connotations
In both varieties, the metaphorical use implies unfair advantage or being 'above the law'.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in legal/political discourse. Metaphorical use is common in both UK and US media.
Grammar
How to Use “diplomatic immunity” in a Sentence
[Subject] has diplomatic immunity.[Subject] was protected by diplomatic immunity.[Subject] claimed diplomatic immunity from [legal process].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “diplomatic immunity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The ambassador was diplomatically immunised from local prosecution.
- The official attempted to diplomatise his immunity to avoid the fine.
American English
- They tried to invoke diplomatic immunity to get out of the ticket.
- The attaché claimed he was immunized diplomatically.
adverb
British English
- He parked diplomatically immunely on the double yellow lines.
- The car was treated diplomatically-immunely by the traffic warden.
American English
- He acted, claiming diplomatic immunity, to avoid the subpoena.
- The vehicle was parked, under diplomatic immunity, in the restricted zone.
adjective
British English
- He had a diplomatic-immunity pass for his vehicle.
- It was a clear case of diplomatic-immunity abuse.
American English
- The driver showed a diplomatic immunity placard.
- They faced a diplomatic immunity dispute.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in international business dealings involving state officials.
Academic
Common in law, political science, and international relations texts.
Everyday
Mostly in news contexts or metaphorical/joking use about someone avoiding consequences.
Technical
Defined precisely in the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations (1961).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “diplomatic immunity”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “diplomatic immunity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “diplomatic immunity”
- Using it to mean 'physical invulnerability' (it's legal).
- Confusing it with 'parliamentary immunity'.
- Thinking it applies to all actions (it has limits, e.g., not for serious non-political crimes in some interpretations).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While it generally grants immunity from prosecution in the host country's courts, the host government can declare the diplomat 'persona non grata' and expel them. Their home country may also choose to prosecute them.
It is granted primarily to diplomatic agents (like ambassadors), their families, and certain administrative and technical staff of a diplomatic mission, as defined by the Vienna Convention. Levels of immunity can vary by role.
Yes, but only by the diplomat's sending state, not by the individual. The sending state can choose to waive immunity, allowing the host country to prosecute.
Most countries adhere to the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which standardises the rules. However, interpretation and application in specific cases can vary, and some countries may have additional bilateral agreements.
A principle of international law where diplomats are exempt from legal prosecution in the host country.
Diplomatic immunity is usually formal, legal, journalistic, political in register.
Diplomatic immunity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk ɪˈmjuːnəti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌdɪpləˈmætɪk ɪˈmjuːnəti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He acts like he has diplomatic immunity. (metaphorical: behaves as if rules don't apply)”
- “Parking with diplomatic plates. (refers to the visual symbol of the immunity)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a DIPLOMAT carrying an IMMUNITY card that stops the local police (like a health immunity card stops a virus).
Conceptual Metaphor
IMMUNITY IS A SHIELD / LAW IS A DISEASE. The law (a disease) cannot 'infect' or affect the diplomat (who is shielded).
Practice
Quiz
In its metaphorical sense, 'diplomatic immunity' most often implies: