'shelfproof' originates from Modern English as a compound of 'shelf' and 'proof', where 'shelf' ultimately comes from Old English 'scelf' meaning 'shelf, ledge' and 'proof' ultimately derives from Latin 'probare' meaning 'to test'.

'shelfproof' was formed by analogy with compounds such as 'waterproof' and 'bulletproof' in Modern English, combining the noun 'shelf' (Old English 'scelf') with the element 'proof' (from Middle English 'prove', Old French 'proeve').

Initially it would have implied 'tested for shelving' or 'shown to resist shelf conditions', and over time it has come to mean 'able to retain condition or resist damage while on a shelf'.