Adding a Suffix

Proof

Using the suffix - proof

The suffix “proof” can be added to a word to create an adjective

which relates to the original word in one of several ways.

1. impervious to e.g. my watch is waterproof (it will still work if

it gets wet)

2. protected from or against e.g. my car is rustproof (the car is

made from material which will not rust or has been painted

with rustproof paint)

3. resistant to, unaffected by e.g. the film stuntman wore a

fireproof jacket (the jacket is made of a material which will

not catch fire)

Using the suffix - proof

New words can enter the English language in this way, typically

using a hyphen.

For example:

“We use firewalls and encryption to make our computers

hacker-proof.”

Using the suffix - proof

The words can be used as verbs in the following forms:

● I asked the dealer to rustproof my new car before I take

delivery of it.

● I have burglar-proofed my home by installing window bars

and a steel door.

● We are expecting our first baby next month and we are busy

childproofing our home (we are looking in our home for

anything which might be dangerous to a small child).

Use the list of words and add the suffix proof to complete the sentences.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

This jacket is ____________ in order to protect the wearer from wind chill.

The police will wear ____________ vests for protection in dangerous situations.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

This jacket is windproof in order to protect the wearer from wind chill.

The police will wear bulletproof vests for protection in dangerous situations.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

Hong Kong people like to have heavy steel doors and window bars to make their homes

____________.

If you hike in Hong Kong during the rainy season it is best to wear ____________ shoes.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

Hong Kong people like to have heavy steel doors and window bars to make their homes

burglarproof.

If you hike in Hong Kong during the rainy season it is best to wear waterproof shoes.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

China appears to be ____________ because of its strong economy.

Many Hong Kong buildings have ____________ windows because of the risk of debris flying during

typhoons.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

China appears to be recession-proof because of its strong economy.

Many Hong Kong buildings have shatterproof windows because of the risk of debris flying during

typhoons.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

Farmers will put ____________ fences around their land to keep their crops from being destroyed.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

Farmers will put rabbit-proof fences around their land to keep their crops from being destroyed.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

There is a ____________ bunker under the White House in case there is a war.

Parents can ____________ their homes by removing all items that may cause harm to small children.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

There is a bomb-proof bunker under the White House in case there is a war.

Parents can childproof their homes by removing all items that may cause harm to small children.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

The fish tank has rubber seals in order to make it ____________ .

Many building use ____________ paint in order to protect against the elements.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

The fish tank has rubber seals in order to make it leakproof.

Many building use weatherproof paint in order to protect against the elements.

Bullet - Burglar - Bomb - Child - Leak - Rabbit -

Recession - Shatter - Water - Weather - Wind

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