ball-proof
Definition
Adjective - Resistant to bullets: "ball-proof" describes a material or object that is capable of stopping or deflecting bullets, making it impervious to gunfire.
Usage Examples
- (The windows were designed to stop bullets.)
- (The vests protected them from bullets.)
Advanced Usage
- "ball-proof glass": a specific type of glass reinforced with layers of plastic or other materials to resist bullet penetration.
- The embassy installed ball-proof glass in all its ground-floor windows. (The glass was specially treated to stop bullets.)
- "ball-proof fabric": textiles woven with strong fibers like Kevlar that can absorb the impact of a bullet.
- Modern ball-proof fabric is lightweight yet incredibly durable. (The fabric stops bullets without being heavy.)
Variants and Related Words
- Bulletproof (adj): a more common synonym meaning the same as "ball-proof".
- The bulletproof limousine protected the president. (The car was impenetrable by bullets.)
- Proof (adj): used as a suffix to indicate resistance to something (e.g., fireproof, waterproof).
- This jacket is wind-proof. (It protects against wind.)
Synonyms
- Bullet-resistant: able to withstand bullet impact but not necessarily completely impenetrable.
- Armored: protected by a hard outer layer, often including ball-proof materials.
Related Idioms
- "Proof against": resistant to something, often used metaphorically.
- His argument was proof against any criticism. (His reasoning could withstand all objections.)
Note
- The term "ball-proof" is less common than "bulletproof" but is used in technical or military contexts to specify resistance to firearm projectiles. It is a compound word formed from "ball" (meaning a bullet or projectile) and "proof" (meaning resistant).