Proof, as suffix_其他_趣味英语-查字典英语网

Proof, as suffix

There are all sorts of things that are, er, something-proof. A rabbit-proof fence, for instance, is one that doesn't have holes big enough for rabbit to squeeze in through. A bulletproof window is, yes, able to withstand bullets. And there are metal doors that are touted as burglar-proof. Well, in that case, don't take it literally – if you lose something to burglary, I am afraid your burglary-proof front door will prove nothing more that there are burglars roaming your area.

And there are foolproof manuals, instructions that are so simple that you'll be able to master it even if you were, er, a fool. Here, foolproof means infallibly effective, absolutely easy to follow. Likewise, a "foolproof identification system" will be able to read who people are without fail. A foolproof safety lock, on the other hand, is absolutely secure.

Here are a few real examples culled from the media.

1. explosion-proof (won't explode):

"Explosion-proof" products are capable of containing an explosion. The term "explosion-proof" does not indicate that the product is capable of withstanding an external explosion, but only of withstanding an internal explosion without allowing flames or hot gases to escape from the transducer housing to trigger an explosion in the surrounding atmosphere.