bombproof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, technical (military/engineering)
Quick answer
What does “bombproof” mean?
Designed to withstand the effects of an explosion.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Designed to withstand the effects of an explosion.
Refers to anything extremely robust, reliable, or resistant to failure, shock, or criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use the term similarly. The verb form (to make something bombproof) is perhaps slightly more common in US military/technical contexts.
Connotations
In both, it carries connotations of ultimate security and strength.
Frequency
Low frequency in general discourse, higher in specific domains like military, security, or figurative business language.
Grammar
How to Use “bombproof” in a Sentence
BE bombproofMAKE sth bombproofCONSIDER sth bombproofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bombproof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers were tasked with bombproofing the embassy's basement.
- They spent millions bombproofing the key government buildings.
American English
- The contractor bombproofed the data center against any possible attack.
- The new regulations require bombproofing all federal structures.
adverb
British English
- The vault was constructed bombproof.
American English
- The server room is built bombproof.
adjective
British English
- The journalist wore a bombproof jacket while reporting from the conflict zone.
- His alibi was completely bombproof, so the police had to release him.
American English
- The facility is housed in a bombproof underground bunker.
- We've developed a bombproof strategy for the product launch.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Figurative: 'We need a bombproof contract before signing.'
Academic
Rare; might appear in history/political science re: bunkers or security studies.
Everyday
Figurative/humorous: 'His excuse was bombproof; no one could challenge it.'
Technical
Literal: 'The bunker's bombproof door weighed five tonnes.'
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bombproof”
- Using it as a noun for a person (*He is a bombproof). Confusing with 'bulletproof' (specifically for explosions vs. projectiles).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very commonly used figuratively to describe anything extremely secure, reliable, or resistant to failure or attack (e.g., a bombproof plan, a bombproof alibi).
'Bulletproof' specifically resists penetration by bullets. 'Bombproof' is designed to withstand the blast pressure, fragmentation, and collapse from an explosion. Something can be both. Figuratively, they are often interchangeable, but 'bombproof' can imply resistance to a larger, more catastrophic 'attack'.
Yes, though it's less common. 'To bombproof' something means to strengthen or modify it to make it resistant to bombs (e.g., 'They bombproofed the building').
It is informal or technical. In formal military or engineering writing, terms like 'blast-resistant' or 'fortified' might be preferred. In everyday figurative use, it is informal and emphatic.
Designed to withstand the effects of an explosion.
Bombproof: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒmpruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːmpruːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[not a standalone idiom, but used in phrases like 'bombproof alibi']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'bomb' and 'proof' (as in waterproof). Something so strong it's proof against a bomb.
Conceptual Metaphor
SECURITY IS PHYSICAL FORTIFICATION / ROBUSTNESS IS RESISTANCE TO EXPLOSION.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'bombproof' used MOST literally?