Childproof means designed to prevent young children from opening, operating, or being harmed by something. Medicine bottles are childproof, requiring you to push down while twisting the cap, a motion that small children can't easily figure out. Cabinet locks, electrical outlet covers, and safety gates are all childproof devices that protect curious toddlers from danger.

To childproof a house means to add these safety features before a baby starts crawling and exploring. Parents might childproof cabinets containing cleaning supplies, cover sharp furniture corners, or install locks on windows.

Interestingly, nothing is perfectly childproof. Determined and clever children eventually figure out many safety devices, which is why the term child-resistant is sometimes used instead. Still, childproofing buys precious time and helps prevent accidents, making homes safer for the youngest, most curious family members who don't yet understand which things are dangerous.