soundproofing
|sound-proof-ing|
/ˈsaʊndpruːfɪŋ/
(soundproof)
resistant to sound
Etymology
'soundproofing' originates from English, formed by combining 'sound' (meaning 'noise' or 'sound') + 'proof' (meaning 'resistant to') with the gerund/nominalizing suffix '-ing'.
'soundproof' arose as a compound of 'sound' + 'proof' (early 20th century) to mean 'proof against sound'; later the suffix '-ing' was added to name the process or materials, producing 'soundproofing'.
Initially the element 'proof' indicated 'resistant to' (i.e., 'proof against sound'); over time 'soundproofing' came to be used both for the materials/process and the act of making something soundproof, narrowing into technical and everyday use related to acoustic treatment.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
material, treatment, or process used to prevent sound from entering or leaving a space; the act of making something soundproof.
The studio uses soundproofing to reduce outside noise.
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Verb 1
present participle or gerund form of 'soundproof' (i.e., making something resistant to sound).
They're soundproofing the apartment to block the street noise.
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Adjective 1
used to describe something that provides or relates to the prevention of sound transmission (often used attributively before a noun).
They installed soundproofing curtains in the recording room.
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Last updated: 2025/10/06 12:44