proof

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any factual evidence that helps to establish the truth of something

   if you have any proof for what you say, now is the time to produce it

2. 2
   verb

   make resistant to harm

   We proof the materials against shrinking in the dryer.

3. 3
   verb

   activate by mixing with water and sometimes sugar or milk

   proof yeast

4. 4
   verb

   read for errors

   I should proofread my manuscripts

5. 5
   verb

   knead to reach proper lightness

   proof dough

6. 6
   noun

   An effort, process, or operation designed to establish or discover a fact or truth; an act of testing; a test; a trial.

   I need proof of your unconditional love. Lend me some dough.

7. 7
   noun

   The degree of evidence which convinces the mind of any truth or fact, and produces belief; a test by facts or arguments which induce, or tend to induce, certainty of the judgment; conclusive evidence; demonstration.

   I'll have some proof.

8. 8
   noun

   Experience of something.

   But the chaste damzell, that had never priefe / Of such malengine and fine forgerye, / Did easely beleeve her strong extremitye.

Etymology

From Middle English proof, from Old French prove, from Late Latin proba (“a proof”), from Latin probō (“to prove”); see prove; compare also the doublet probe.