Speakur

Word Pronunciation & Dictionary

-proof

Word Rarity Uncommon

Frequency: 4.70 in modern English

Syllables
-proof
IPA
10
Scrabble Score
5
Letters
2
Syllables
4
Unique Chars

Meaning

suffix

Added to a noun to form an adjective denoting imperviousness to that noun.

suffix

Added to a noun to form a verb denoting a process to make something impervious to that noun.

Etymology

From the adjective proof (“fully resistant”), from the same Old French root as prove.

Inflected Forms

more -proof (comparative) most -proof (superlative) -proofs (present, singular) -proofing (participle, present) -proofed (participle, past) -proofed (past)

Derived Forms

idiotproof limeproof rabbitproof saltproof scaleproof shellproof stormproof waterproof weatherproof windproof

Phrases

acid-proof bug-proof burglar-proof cat-proof crash-proof dog-proof earthquake-proof explosion-proof

Frequently Paired Words

-safe

Questions

What does -proof mean?
Added to a noun to form an adjective denoting imperviousness to that noun.
Where does -proof come from?
From the adjective proof (“fully resistant”), from the same Old French root as prove.

How to pronounce -proof

  1. Open the pronunciation page — Open the Speakur entry for “-proof”.
  2. Read the phonetic spelling — Read the IPA spelling () so you know which sounds to aim for.
  3. Play the audio — Click Play to hear reference audio for “-proof”.
  4. Repeat and practice — Say “-proof” aloud, matching stress and vowels until it feels natural.