Bombproof Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bombproof

[ˈbɒmbruːf ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

construction safety

The term 'bombproof' refers to structures or materials designed to withstand explosive blasts and shrapnel. These constructions are typically reinforced to ensure maximum protection against bomb detonations. Such designs are often utilized in military installations, government buildings, and secure facilities where safety from explosives is paramount. The effectiveness of bombproof structures can vary based on their specifications and the nature of the threat they are intended to counter.

Synonyms

blast-proof, explosion-resistant, fortified.

Examples of usage

  • The bunker was designed to be bombproof.
  • They used bombproof materials for the new military base.
  • His vehicle is equipped with bombproof technology.
  • The government building features bombproof reinforcements.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Military Use

  • Fortifications and bunkers built during World War II were often bombproof, showcasing advancements in safety engineering.
  • Modern military vehicles, such as armored carriers, are designed with bombproof materials to protect soldiers from explosive attacks.

Architecture

  • Some buildings in conflict zones are constructed to be bombproof, utilizing reinforced concrete and steel for safety.
  • Innovations in bombproof technology involve self-healing materials that can restore damage from explosions.

Metaphorical Use

  • In everyday language, 'bombproof' is often used metaphorically to describe plans, strategies, or arguments that are very strong and unlikely to fail.
  • The concept has been adapted in product marketing, where items are advertised as bombproof to imply extreme durability.

Pop Culture

  • The term often appears in action movies and video games, where characters or equipment are depicted as bombproof for added drama and safety.
  • In music, lyrics may use 'bombproof' to symbolize resilience or strength in the face of adversity.

Origin of 'bombproof'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'bombproof' originated in military contexts, describing buildings or structures designed to withstand bomb explosions.
  • It combines 'bomb', referring to an explosive device, and 'proof', meaning resistant or protected against.

The word 'bombproof' is a compound adjective formed from 'bomb', which comes from the Middle French word 'bombera', derived from the Latin 'bombus', meaning a booming or thundering noise. The suffix 'proof', used in this context, originates from the Old English 'prōf', which means 'to test' or 'to prove'. It entered the English language around the 19th century, reflecting advances in military technology and the necessity for protecting key structures from bomb threats, particularly during wartime. As warfare became more reliant on explosives, the term gained traction within engineering and architectural industries, leading to a significant focus on creating fortified buildings and vehicles.