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to goofproof

to goofproof

8.2
To make something so people cannot make mistakes when using it
  • verb
  • Informal
translation icon : hacer a prueba de errores
  • They hired an expert to goofproof the user interface before launch.

Examples

  • The team worked hard to goofproof the online registration process to help users avoid errors.

  • They need to goofproof the new software.

  • The company is trying to goofproof its application so even beginners can use it safely.

  • You should goofproof your passwords to prevent accidental lockouts.

  • This tool is goofproofed for beginners.

  • To ensure that anyone can use the equipment, they decided to goofproof the settings.

  • The developers implemented several features to goofproof the software, making it easy for new users.

Synonyms

to goof-proof
vsto goofproof
  • Informal
7.4

Make something so people are unlikely to make mistakes

is the modern unhyphenated spelling used in current usage

Antonyms

2 5.1

Tends to make many mistakes

Compounds

goofproof recipe
  • Informal
2.3

A recipe that is very easy to follow so you do not make mistakes

How Foolproof

foolproof
44 3.9
to goofproof
  • Informal
8.2
error handling
  • Specialized
1 3.7
to repair
365 1.0

Surface Forms

goofproof infinitive
goofproofed past participle
goofproofing present participle
goofproofs third person singular

Morphology

goofproof = goof + proof (semi-transparent) = goof + proof

The components are clear, but the specific meaning of making something resistant to mistakes is metaphorical.

Etymology

Goofproof comes from goof, meaning 'a silly mistake' or 'a silly person', and proof, used like in waterproof to mean 'resistant to'. So to goofproof something is to make it hard for people to make mistakes.