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bulletproof

bulletproof

78 4.2
Strong enough to stop bullets
  • adjective
  • /ˈbʊlɪtpruːf/
: a prueba de balas
  • All right, next feature, bulletproof stainless steel.
  • a bulletproof vest
  • a bulletproof car

These are small parts and we've surrounded them with bulletproof glass for a reason.

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Examples

Antonyms

590 4.0

At risk of being harmed, attacked or influenced

2 6.0

Able to be passed through or pierced

Compounds

A strong sleeveless jacket that stops bullets and protects the body

A design made to stop bullets and protect people or things

bulletproof plan
  • Informal
1 3.9

A very secure plan that is not likely to fail

How Protective

bulletproof
78 4.2
armored
  • US
150 4.4
protected
452 2.0
unprotected
55 2.9

Surface Forms

bulletproof positive

Morphology

bulletproof = bullet + proof (transparent) = bullet + proof

The meaning 'resistant to bullets' is a direct and literal composition of 'bullet' + 'proof' and is predictable for learners.

Etymology

Bulletproof is formed from bullet and proof, where proof means 'resistant to', just like in waterproof. So bulletproof literally means 'resistant to bullets', which is why we use it for materials and objects that stop bullets.