flameproof
Meaning
designed to resist catching fire or to withstand damage from flames.
to make something resistant to catching fire or to damage from flames.
Structure
Usage
the laboratory technicians wore flameproof aprons for safety.
this fabric has been chemically treated to flameproof it.
building codes often require flameproof materials for certain structural elements.
Etymology
the word 'flameproof' is a modern english compound, formed by combining the noun 'flame' with the suffix '-proof'. the root 'flame' traces back to the latin 'flamma', which itself has a probable proto-indo-european origin in a root like bhel- meaning 'to shine, flash, burn'. the element '-proof' entered english via old french, originating from the latin 'proba' (a test) and is related to 'prove'. in compound formation, '-proof' evolved to signify 'impervious to' or 'resistant against'. therefore, the literal construction 'resistant to the test of flame' logically yields the modern meaning of being designed to withstand fire.
Analysis
flame (from old english 'flamme', from latin 'flamma', meaning 'a flame, blaze') + proof (from old french 'preuve', from late latin 'proba', meaning 'a test, proof', here used as a suffix meaning 'resistant, impervious').