childproofadj.
/ˈtʃʌɪl(d)pruːf/, U.S. /ˈtʃaɪl(d)ˌpruf/ Adapted so as to be safe for, resistant to, or unlikely to harm children.
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the world > action or operation > safety > [adjective] > safe or not dangerous > specific
foolproof1874
childproof1889
idiot-proof1924
fail-safe1948
1889 Newcastle Daily Courant 25 May 4/5 It matters little what the Corporation of Jarrow does to prevent mishap, children still tumble over the Ferry Quay. They first erected chains and pillars, but these were no more child-proof than they were adult-proof.
1920 Jrnl. Amer. Med. Assoc. 1 May 1207/1 The paper is good ; the illustrations are attractive, and the binding is child-proof.
1958 Vogue June 14/2 Special child-proof rear door locks.
2003 Yours Oct. 157/1 There were no childproof caps on medicine bottles or covers over electrical sockets.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
childproofv.
/ˈtʃʌɪl(d)pruːf/, U.S. /ˈtʃaɪl(d)ˌpruf/ transitive. To make childproof. Cf. baby-proof vb. at baby n. and adj. Compounds 1g.
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1947 Bridgeport (Connecticut) Telegram 2 Dec. 22/3 Child-proofing the house.
1995 This Old House May 33/2 We have used bronze screening instead of tempered glass panels to childproof a glass-paneled interior door.
2001 K. Izzo & C. Marsh Fabulous Girl's Guide to Decorum (2002) 274 You really need to childproof your place. She gets into everything.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2013; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1889v.1947