shell-proof

A soldier takes cover inside a shell-proof bunker during a training exercise.

Definition

Adjective: Resistant to damage or penetration by explosive shells, such as those fired by artillery or bombs. It describes a structure or material that is strong enough to withstand a direct hit or the blast effect of a shell.

Usage Examples

• (The bunker can resist shell explosions.)
• (The steel plates are strong enough to stop shells.)
• (The armor prevented shell damage.)

Advanced Usage

• "shell-proof shelter": A fortified structure designed to protect people from shellfire.

  • The civilians hid in a shell-proof shelter during the bombardment. (A shelter that can withstand shell explosions.)

• "shell-proof glass": A type of reinforced glass that can resist shell fragments or blasts.

  • The embassy used shell-proof glass in its windows for security. (Glass that is resistant to shell damage.)

Variants and Related Words

• Shell (n): A projectile fired from a cannon or artillery piece.

  • The shell exploded near the trench. (An explosive projectile.)

• Proof (adj suffix): Resistant to or able to withstand something.

  • The container is waterproof. (Resistant to water.)

Synonyms

• Bombproof: Resistant to bombs or explosions.

  • The bombproof shelter saved many lives. (Similar to shell-proof but for bombs.)

• Fortified: Strengthened to resist attack.

  • The fort had fortified walls. (Made stronger, often against weapons.)

Related Idioms

• "Shell-proof reputation" (figurative): A reputation so strong that criticism or attacks cannot damage it.
  • Her shell-proof reputation survived the scandal. (Her reputation was unshaken, like a shell-proof structure.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Shell out: To pay money, often reluctantly.
  • He had to shell out a lot for the repairs. (Pay a large amount, unrelated to shell-proof.)