/ pruːf; NAmE / noun , adjective , verb
■ noun
1.
[ U , C ] proof (of sth / that ... ) information, documents, etc. that show that sth is true
SYN evidence :
positive / conclusive proof
Can you provide any proof of identity ?
Keep the receipt as proof of purchase .
There is no proof that the knife belonged to her.
These results are a further proof of his outstanding ability.
2.
[ U ] the process of testing whether sth is true or a fact :
Is the claim capable of proof?
—see also burden of proof
3.
[ C ] ( mathematics ) a way of proving that a statement is true or that what you have calculated is correct
4.
[ C , usually pl. ] a copy of printed material which is produced so that mistakes can be corrected :
She was checking the proofs of her latest novel.
5.
[ U ] a standard used to measure the strength of alcoholic drinks
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IDIOMS
- the proof of the pudding (is in the eating)
—more at living adjective
■ adjective
1.
proof against sth ( formal ) that can resist the damaging or harmful effects of sth :
The sea wall was not proof against the strength of the waves.
2.
(in compounds) that can resist or protect against the thing mentioned :
rainproof / windproof clothing
The car has childproof locks on the rear doors.
an inflation-proof pension plan
■ verb [ vn ]
1.
to put a special substance on sth, especially cloth, to protect it against water, fire, etc. :
proofed canvas
2.
to produce a test copy of a piece of printed work so that mistakes can be corrected :
colour proofing
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WORD ORIGIN
Middle English preve , from Old French proeve , from late Latin proba , from Latin probare to test, prove. The change of vowel in late Middle English was due to the influence of prove . Current senses of the verb date from the late 19th cent.