fireproof
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈfaɪərˌpruːf/
KK: /ˈfaɪərˌpruf/
adjective
Definition
Able to resist damage from fire or high heat without burning or being destroyed.
Example
The building was constructed with fireproof materials to ensure safety in case of a fire.
Conversation
I just bought a new grill that’s fireproof!
That sounds awesome! Safety first, right?
Yeah, I wanted something that would last without damage.
Good call! It’s smart to invest in fireproof gear.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
flameproof
heatresistant
incombustible
Antonyms
combustible
flammable
burnable
transitive verb
Definition
To make something resistant to fire so that it does not catch fire easily or is protected from fire damage.
Example
The builders used special materials to fireproof the new structure.
Tense Forms
Past: fireproofed
Past Participle: fireproofed
Conversation
Did you know you can fireproof your home with special materials?
Really? That sounds interesting, but how does it work?
It involves using coatings that resist flames and heat.
Root Explanation
Fireproof → It is formed from "fire" (from Old English "fyr", meaning the element of combustion) and "proof" (from Old English "profa", meaning to test or to prove). The word "fireproof" means tested against fire or resistant to fire.
Memory Tip
Think of something that has been "tested" ('proof') against "fire" — that's why fireproof means resistant to fire.
Visually Confused Words
unfireproof
reproof
nonfireproof
lieproof
airproof
virtueproof
satireproof
reroof