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Synonyms

fireproof

American  
[fahyuhr-proof] / ˈfaɪərˌpruf /

adjective

  1. resistant to destruction by fire.

  2. totally or almost totally unburnable.


verb (used with object)

  • fireproofs,
    present (3rd person singular)
  • fireproofed,
    past participle,  past
  • fireproofing
    present participle
  1. to make fireproof.

fireproof British  
/ ˈfaɪəˌpruːf /

adjective

  1. capable of resisting damage by fire

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

verb

  1. (tr) to make resistant to fire

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

Inflected Forms

Participles

Conjugated Forms

Present

Past

Future

Etymology

Origin of fireproof

First recorded in 1630–40; fire + -proof

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

For that reason, many people once viewed mature sequoias as nearly fireproof.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 26, 2026

The ruling means drivers can use a mandated cooling kit that flows cooled liquid, such as glycol, through a system of pipes in a fireproof top worn under their overalls.

From BBC ● Jun. 25, 2026

The Ukrainian president is the same as ever—steadfast, with a nervous system that seems fireproof and capable of withstanding anything.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Mar. 18, 2026

Mesh material and plastic sheets which were found on the outside of the buildings are not believed to be fireproof, while polystyrene was also found on the buildings' windows.

From BBC ● Nov. 27, 2025

“I will do what I can to prevent the circus from going up in smoke. I shall fireproof it as much as possible. Is that enough for now?”

From "The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern

One of the more recent fireproofs was Eugene Rivalli, whose act included, besides the usual effects, a cage of fire in which he stood completely surrounded by flames.

From The Miracle Mongers, an Exposé by Harry Houdini

The double row of fireproofs, which was to have held the fire at bay, was attacked and went down; then the Chamber of Commerce melted away; shortly after the court-house was assailed.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science, Vol. 12, No. 32, November, 1873 by Various

A solid wall of fireproofs along Arch Street had held the fire from spreading eastward there, but as Franklin Street was passed in the southward sweep, the eastward urging was not wholly to be denied.

From White Ashes by Sidney R. (Sidney Robinson) Kennedy

"It's a 100% wood house, so it's not like we fireproofed it or anything," Dora Atwater Millikin told the Los Angeles Times.

From BBC ● Aug. 21, 2023

“It’s a 100% wood house so it’s not like we fireproofed it or anything,” Atwater Millikin said.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2023

In more modern and legally fireproofed buildings, fires are more likely to be contained, thanks to fireproof building materials and doors that automatically close, sealing off the fire in smaller spaces.

From New York Times ● Jan. 11, 2022

That popularity has fireproofed the Globes against years of criticism — and now makes it less likely the show will go away permanently.

From Washington Post ● May 13, 2021

Wires controlling this ventilator should run in conduit fireproofed and in addition to switch an electric emergency switch weighted with a fused link to make a contact when link breaks.

From Chicago's Awful Theater Horror by Various

Price hikes in notoriously opaque power markets can stem from transmission upgrades, volatile commodity costs and expensive fireproofing measures, factors that vary by region.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 10, 2025

Going forward, Aghayere would like to see better fireproofing on overpasses and bridges.

From Slate ● Jun. 16, 2023

Many of the residents he’s talked to have made peace that some level of fire danger will always exist, Trett said, no matter how big the buffer or how extensive the fireproofing.

From Seattle Times ● Aug. 14, 2022

Mr. Kumamaru said some older buildings did not have the recommended two exits per floor or fireproofing on interior finishes.

From New York Times ● Dec. 16, 2021

If we figure, however, for the same style of lighting, heating, ventilating and fireproofing, and provide an elevator and outside fire-escape, the cost could not be put below $40,000.

From The American Architect and Building News, Vol. 27, Jan-Mar, 1890 by Various

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