untouchability
- noun
- /ʌnˈtʌtʃəˌbɪlɪti/
- Formal
:
inmunidad
- Debates about untouchability continue as society seeks to address issues of caste discrimination.
Examples
-
Interaction among members of different castes is not governed by restrictions or guided by principles of untouchability or pollution.
Academic text (1994) -
The concept of untouchability has caused significant social division throughout history.
-
Many activists strive to eliminate untouchability and promote equality among all individuals.
Synonyms
9
7.6
A state in which someone cannot be defeated
5
7.9
The state of not being able to be harmed in body or feelings
1
8.7
A state of not allowing water, light, or ideas to pass through
1
9.8
The state of being strong enough to resist attack
A state of not being affected, influenced, or harmed by something
A state in which something cannot be attacked, questioned, or defeated
Antonyms
How Immune
Surface Forms
Morphology
untouchability = untouchable (transparent) = un + touch + able + ity
The noun is a straightforward nominalization of the adjective 'untouchable' using '-ity'.
Etymology
Untouchability comes from un- 'not', touch 'to make contact', and -ability 'the state of being'. So a person or place described as 'untouchable' feels 'not touchable' in the sense of being safe from attack, criticism, or contact, and people are often afraid to challenge them.