Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Impunity
noun
/ im-PYOO-nih-tee /
Medium
Meaning
Exemption from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action
Origin / Etymology
Latin impunitas — in (not) + poena (punishment) + itas (state of)
Synonyms
Exemption
Immunity
Freedom from consequences
Unaccountability
Antonyms
Accountability
Liability
Culpability
Example Sentence
"Civil society groups argued that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) grants security personnel virtual impunity from prosecution for actions taken in conflict zones."
🎯 UPSC Usage
Use in GS2 and GS4 (Ethics) answers on rule of law, accountability, AFSPA debates, and international humanitarian law. The phrase 'culture of impunity' signals failure of governance. Also relevant to ICC (International Criminal Court) and its inability to prosecute sitting heads of state.
Relevant Subjects
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