Noun | 1. | exemption - immunity from an obligation or duty immunity, unsusceptibility - the state of not being susceptible; "unsusceptibility to rust" amnesty - a period during which offenders are exempt from punishment diplomatic immunity - exemption from taxation or normal processes of law that is offered to diplomatic personnel in a foreign country indemnity - legal exemption from liability for damages impunity - exemption from punishment or loss grandfather clause - an exemption based on circumstances existing prior to the adoption of some policy; used to enfranchise illiterate whites in south after the American Civil War |
2. | exemption - a deduction allowed to a taxpayer because of his status (having certain dependents or being blind or being over 65 etc.); "additional exemptions are allowed for each dependent" deduction, tax deduction, tax write-off - a reduction in the gross amount on which a tax is calculated; reduces taxes by the percentage fixed for the taxpayer's income bracket | |
3. | exemption - an act exempting someone; "he was granted immunity from prosecution" fix - an exemption granted after influence (e.g., money) is brought to bear; "collusion resulted in tax fixes for gamblers" official immunity - personal immunity accorded to a public official from liability to anyone injured by actions that are the consequence of exerting official authority sovereign immunity - an exemption that precludes bringing a suit against the sovereign government without the government's consent; "the doctrine of sovereign immunity originated with the maxim that the king can do no wrong" testimonial immunity, use immunity - an exemption that displaces the privilege against self-incrimination; neither compelled testimony or any fruits of it can be used against the witness who therefore can no longer fear self-incrimination |