childproof

1 of 2

adjective

child·​proof ˈchīl(d)-ˌprüf How to pronounce childproof (audio)
1
: designed to prevent tampering or opening by children
childproof pill bottles
2
: made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials)
a childproof home

childproof

2 of 2

verb

childproofed; childproofing; childproofs

transitive verb

: to make childproof
childproof a house

Examples of childproof in a Sentence

Verb The article has tips on how to childproof a home.
Recent Examples on the Web
Adjective
The driver had used the childproof setting of his car to lock Josephson in the car and, according to a report by People, stabbed her more than 120 times. Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 4 Jan. 2023 Styled by Shauna Dean of Quentin & Co and featured on Style Me Pretty, this holiday tree is pure sophistication with its sparkly silver ornaments and luxurious ribbon, topped with burlap, yarn balls, and nonbreakable, childproof ornaments. Anna Fixsen, ELLE Decor, 6 Dec. 2022 This includes setting minimum age restrictions, rules on marketing, product testing, labeling requirements and childproof packaging. Jenna Valleriani, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2022 Keep all marijuana products out of the reach of children in childproof containers, the CDC recommends. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 19 Apr. 2022 Of course, anyone capable of rolling a joint or baking some pot brownies is, presumably, equally capable of squeezing or pulling open a childproof flower container. BostonGlobe.com, 11 July 2021 Ubbi Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail Still on sale in a neutral white that can match any nursery, this diaper can lock in odors, thanks to its steel construction and childproof lock. Jane Sung, Forbes, 23 June 2021 As an example, Hopkinson pointed to childproof packaging requirements. Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2021 Tough furniture: Wildenauer also helped the couple select new furniture that enhanced their spaces yet was childproof. Kim Palmer, Star Tribune, 2 Apr. 2021
Verb
Rooms can be childproofed in advance; request it when making your reservation. Karen Cicero, Parents, 14 Sep. 2023 Its experts have thought of everything, including items to childproof your room to strollers, organic bath amenities, bottle warmers, and pop-up tents to shield little ones from the strong sunshine. Sandra Ramani, Robb Report, 7 May 2022 Her younger son has quickly found areas that are not childproofed. NBC News, 25 Apr. 2020 If your child is small, make sure your home is properly childproofed. Melinda Wenner Moyer, New York Times, 26 Mar. 2020 Keep Labs won a 2020 CES Innovation Award for its smart cannabis storage device that is climate-controlled and includes features such as facial recognition for childproofing and preventing unauthorized access. Alicia Wallace, CNN, 8 Jan. 2020 Homes must be childproofed, and all residents must pass background checks, for instance. Carolyn Said, SFChronicle.com, 18 June 2018 But just to be safe, get a hamper that doesn't have big holes in it, and childproof your dresser drawers. Cathy M. Rosenthal, courant.com, 15 Feb. 2018 Despite the importance placed on childproofing areas such as the kitchen, the same thought is rarely applied to medications. Dana Lee, Indianapolis Star, 22 Oct. 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'childproof.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of childproof was in 1889

Dictionary Entries Near childproof

Cite this Entry

“Childproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childproof. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

childproof

1 of 2 adjective
child·​proof ˈchīl(d)-ˌprüf How to pronounce childproof (audio)
1
: made to prevent tampering or opening by children
a childproof bottle
2
: made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials)
a childproof home

childproof

2 of 2 verb
: to make childproof

More from Merriam-Webster on childproof

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