childproof

American  

[chahyld-proof] / ˈtʃaɪldˌpruf /

Or child-proof

adjective

1. resistant to being opened, tampered with, or operated by a child.

   a childproof medicine bottle.

2. made free of hazard for a child.

   a childproof home.

3. made safe from damage by children.

   a childproof living room free of breakable objects.

---

verb (used with object)

1. to make childproof.

   to childproof a home.

Etymology

Origin of childproof

First recorded in 1955–60; child + -proof

Example Sentences

The Lubbock mother started a nonprofit, Reese’s Purpose, that successfully pushed for federal legislation that imposed new requirements for battery compartments, childproof packaging and warning labels.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2024

Just six weeks after the crisis erupted, the company also offered a solution: a new Tylenol bottle with safety features to prevent tampering including a cotton wad, foil seal, childproof cap and plastic strip.

From New York Times • Jul. 10, 2023

Pharmacists, meanwhile, will place the medicine in a childproof vial before handing it out to patients.

From Washington Times • Mar. 16, 2023

If you need to childproof, keep the ledges higher and out of reach for now and add lower ones when the kids are older.

From Seattle Times • Apr. 6, 2022

How my mom’s been looking at childproof locks for the front door to protect G from herself.

From "Popcorn" by Rob Harrell