childproof

1 of 2

adjective

child·proof ˈchīl(d)-ˌprüf

: designed to prevent tampering or opening by children

childproof pill bottles

: made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials)

a childproof home

childproof

2 of 2

verb

childproofed; childproofing; childproofs

transitive verb

: to make childproof

childproof a house

Examples of childproof in a Sentence

Verb The article has tips on how to childproof a home.

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Adjective

The driver had used the childproof setting of his car to lock Josephson in the car and, according to a report by People, stabbed her more than 120 times. —Samantha Olson, Seventeen, 4 Jan. 2023

Styled by Shauna Dean of Quentin & Co and featured on Style Me Pretty, this holiday tree is pure sophistication with its sparkly silver ornaments and luxurious ribbon, topped with burlap, yarn balls, and nonbreakable, childproof ornaments. —Anna Fixsen, ELLE Decor, 6 Dec. 2022 This includes setting minimum age restrictions, rules on marketing, product testing, labeling requirements and childproof packaging. —Jenna Valleriani, Rolling Stone, 6 June 2022 Keep all marijuana products out of the reach of children in childproof containers, the CDC recommends. —Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 19 Apr. 2022 Of course, anyone capable of rolling a joint or baking some pot brownies is, presumably, equally capable of squeezing or pulling open a childproof flower container. —BostonGlobe.com, 11 July 2021 Ubbi Steel Odor Locking Diaper Pail Still on sale in a neutral white that can match any nursery, this diaper can lock in odors, thanks to its steel construction and childproof lock. —Jane Sung, Forbes, 23 June 2021 As an example, Hopkinson pointed to childproof packaging requirements. —Los Angeles Times, 15 Apr. 2021 Tough furniture: Wildenauer also helped the couple select new furniture that enhanced their spaces yet was childproof. —Kim Palmer, Star Tribune, 2 Apr. 2021

Verb

The brand also has items to help childproof its guest rooms, from outlet covers to toilet latches, according to IHG’s website. —Bella Stoddart, CNBC, 25 Feb. 2025 When childproofing options didn’t work, Hughes installed a security lock at the top of her front door out of her mother’s reach. —Theresa Tamkins, SELF, 21 Feb. 2025 Bodhi Toddler Bed by Second Story Home, $256 Browse by category For a classic look For a modern look For minimalists For a Montessori-style frame For color lovers FAQs Toddler bed safety checklist How to childproof a room 1. —Shoko Wanger, Architectural Digest, 12 Feb. 2025 From installing child locks on exterior doors and windows to ensuring that products like medications and cleaners are locked away, childproofing your home is a big undertaking. —Stephanie Brown, Parents, 16 July 2024 Make sure children cannot sneak out of the house to get into cars by childproofing or adding alarms to doors leading to the outside. —Kayla Jimenez, USA TODAY, 8 June 2024 Rooms can be childproofed in advance; request it when making your reservation. —Karen Cicero, Parents, 14 Sep. 2023 Its experts have thought of everything, including items to childproof your room to strollers, organic bath amenities, bottle warmers, and pop-up tents to shield little ones from the strong sunshine. —Sandra Ramani, Robb Report, 7 May 2022 Her younger son has quickly found areas that are not childproofed. —NBC News, 25 Apr. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1889, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of childproof was in 1889

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

childminder

childproof

child-rearing

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Childproof.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/childproof. Accessed 18 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

childproof

1 of 2 adjective

child·proof ˈchīl(d)-ˌprüf

: made to prevent tampering or opening by children

a childproof bottle

: made safe for children (as by safe storage of dangerous materials)

a childproof home

childproof

2 of 2 verb

: to make childproof

childproof

adjective

verb

Examples of childproof in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

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childproof

adjective

verb

Examples of childproof in a Sentence

Word History

Rhymes for childproof

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Share

Kids Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on childproof

More from Merriam-Webster

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

admonish

Popular in Grammar & Usage

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

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More Commonly Misspelled Words

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Popular in Wordplay

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

More Words with Remarkable Origins

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8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

Popular Features

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

13 Unusually Long English Words

9 Superb Owl Words

Games & Quizzes