Inoculate

Inoculate

Verb · /ɪˈnɒk.jʊ.leɪt/

Definition

To introduce a vaccine or antigenic material into the body to stimulate the immune system and produce immunity; to protect a person or animal from disease in this way; figuratively, to protect against harmful ideas or influences.

Origin

From Latin inoculare (to graft, to engraft), from in- + oculus (eye, bud). Originally a horticultural term meaning to graft a bud onto another plant; applied to smallpox variolation from the 18th century.