shockproof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, marketing, informal (when figurative).
Quick answer
What does “shockproof” mean?
Designed to withstand or be resistant to physical shocks, impacts, or jolts.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Designed to withstand or be resistant to physical shocks, impacts, or jolts.
Figuratively, used to describe a person, system, or thing that is emotionally, psychologically, or financially resilient to unexpected negative events or stress.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning or usage. Spelling is consistent.
Connotations
Figurative use slightly more common in American business/finance jargon (e.g., 'shockproof portfolio').
Frequency
Equally uncommon in everyday speech, found in comparable contexts (product descriptions, technical specs, figurative business talk).
Grammar
How to Use “shockproof” in a Sentence
[be] + shockproof[Noun] + is/are + shockproofshockproof + [Noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shockproof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The engineers worked to shock-proof the new satellite components.
- We need to shock-proof our savings against another economic crisis.
American English
- The case is designed to shock-proof your smartphone.
- The fund manager aims to shock-proof the portfolio.
adverb
British English
- [Not standard; typically not used as an adverb]
American English
- [Not standard; typically not used as an adverb]
adjective
British English
- This shockproof watch is ideal for my active lifestyle.
- Their financial plan is remarkably shockproof.
American English
- The new drone comes with a shockproof camera mount.
- We're looking for shockproof investments in this market.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing investments or strategies designed to withstand market volatility.
Academic
Rare; might appear in engineering or materials science texts describing properties.
Everyday
Describing consumer products like watches or phones.
Technical
Precise specification for equipment (e.g., military, scientific) built to withstand G-force or vibration.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shockproof”
- Using as a verb (*I need to shockproof my phone). The verb is 'to make shockproof' or 'to shock-proof'.
- Overusing the figurative sense in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. 'Shockproof' means resistant to physical impact or vibration. 'Waterproof' means resistant to water. A product can be one, both, or neither.
Yes, but it's figurative. It describes someone who remains calm and unaffected by surprises or bad news (e.g., 'After 20 years in politics, she's shockproof').
For physical objects, 'fragile' or 'delicate'. For the figurative sense, 'vulnerable' or 'sensitive'.
No. It indicates a design intended to withstand typical shocks (up to a certain force), not an absolute guarantee under all extreme conditions.
Designed to withstand or be resistant to physical shocks, impacts, or jolts.
Shockproof is usually technical, marketing, informal (when figurative). in register.
Shockproof: in British English it is pronounced /ˈʃɒkpruːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈʃɑːkpruːf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms with this exact word]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'proof' that protects against a 'shock' – like a watch that is 'proofed' against the shock of being dropped.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESILIENCE IS PHYSICAL DURABILITY (e.g., a 'shockproof' personality doesn't get emotionally 'shattered').
Practice
Quiz
In a financial context, what does 'shockproof' most likely mean?