Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Not permitting the passage of water: Describes a material, object, or substance that is impervious to water, preventing it from being penetrated or damaged by moisture.
   • Water-resistant: Capable of resisting the penetration of water to some degree, though not necessarily completely impervious under all conditions.

2. Noun:

   • A water-resistant coat: A garment, typically a jacket or coat, designed to protect the wearer from rain.
   • Any fabric impervious to water: A material that has been treated or manufactured to prevent water from passing through it.

3. Verb:

   • To make watertight: The act of treating or coating an object or material so that it becomes impervious to water.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • These hiking boots are completely waterproof.
  • You need a waterproof bag to protect your electronics on the boat trip.

• Noun:

  • Don't forget your waterproof; the forecast says rain all day.
  • The tent is made from a high-tech waterproof.

• Verb:

  • We need to waterproof the deck before the rainy season.
  • The company will waterproof your leather shoes for a small fee.

Advanced Usage

• "Waterproof" vs. "Water-resistant": While often used interchangeably in casual speech, "waterproof" typically implies a higher level of protection, suggesting complete impermeability under specified conditions. "Water-resistant" suggests it can repel water for a time but may eventually allow penetration.
  • This watch is waterproof to a depth of 50 meters.
  • My jacket is only water-resistant, so I'll get soaked in a heavy downpour.

Variants and Related Words

• Waterproofing (n): The process or material used to make something waterproof.
  • The waterproofing on this jacket is starting to wear off.
• Waterproofed (adj): Describes something that has been treated to be waterproof.
  • We bought a waterproofed canvas for the picnic.

Synonyms

• Adjective: Impermeable, watertight, water-repellent, rainproof.
• Noun: Raincoat, slicker, mac (informal for mackintosh).
• Verb: Seal, treat, coat, make impervious.

Phrasal Verbs / Common Combinations

• To waterproof something: This is the standard verb form; it is not typically used with additional particles. The action is directly applied to an object.
  • Remember to waterproof your backpack.

Related Idioms

• "As waterproof as a sponge": An ironic idiom describing something that is not waterproof at all.
  • That cheap poncho is as waterproof as a sponge.

Adjective

1. not permitting the passage of water

Noun

1. a water-resistant coat
2. any fabric impervious to water

Verb

1. make watertight
   • Waterproof the coat