Childproof

Part of speech: adjective, verb

Definitions

1. Built so that young children cannot open, operate or reach something dangerous ; to modify a home or object so that children are kept away from hazards
2. Designed to resist tampering or opening by small children ; to make a space or item secure against access by young ones
3. Engineered to keep kids from getting into or activating a product ; to adapt a place or object so it is safe from children's reach

Etymology: "Childproof" is a plain compound: "child" joined to "proof," with the adjective-forming sense of "-proof," meaning resistant to or secure against something. A childproof lock or cap is one designed so that children cannot open it or get at what lies behind it. The verb use, to childproof a house or a cabinet, follows directly from the adjective. The construction is transparent, so the interest lies in the pattern rather than any single coinage. "-proof" has long been used to make adjectives meaning "resistant to" or "secure against," as in "waterproof" and "fireproof," and "childproof" applies the same pattern to a specific audience. Its meaning is literal and modern in application, tied to household safety products.

Synonyms: child-resistant, tamperproof, secure

Antonyms: unsafe