proof

Proof is evidence or argument that forces someone to believe something as true.

(noun)

An example of proof is someone returning to eat at the same restaurant many times showing they enjoy the food.

See proof in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the act or process of proving; a testing or trying of something
anything serving or tending to establish the truth of something, or to convince one of its truth; conclusive evidence
the establishment of the truth of something: to work on the proof of a theory
a test or trial of the truth, worth, quality, etc. of something: the proof of the pudding is in the eating
the quality or condition of having been tested or proved
Obsolete tested or proved strength, as of armor
1. the relative strength of an alcoholic liquor with reference to the arbitrary standard for proof spirit
2. this standard, taken as 100 proof
Engraving a trial impression taken from a plate, block, or stone
Law all the facts, admissions, and conclusions drawn from evidence which together operate to determine a verdict or judgment
Math. a process for checking the correctness of a computation, as, in a subtraction problem, by adding the difference to the subtrahend to get the minuend
Numismatics any of a limited number of coins of a new issue, struck with special care
Photog. a trial print of a negative
Printing an impression of composed type taken for checking errors and making changes

Origin: ME profe < OFr prueve < LL proba < L probare: see probe

adjective

of tested and proved strength
impervious or invulnerable to; able to resist, withstand, etc.: with against: proof against criticism
used in proving or testing
of standard strength: said of alcoholic liquors

transitive verb

Origin: < proof

See proof in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

The evidence or argument that compels the mind to accept an assertion as true.
a. The validation of a proposition by application of specified rules, as of induction or deduction, to assumptions, axioms, and sequentially derived conclusions.
b. A statement or argument used in such a validation.
a. Convincing or persuasive demonstration: was asked for proof of his identity; an employment history that was proof of her dependability.
b. The state of being convinced or persuaded by consideration of evidence.
Determination of the quality of something by testing; trial: put one's beliefs to the proof.
Law The result or effect of evidence; the establishment or denial of a fact by evidence.
The alcoholic strength of a liquor, expressed by a number that is twice the percentage by volume of alcohol present.
Printing
a. A trial sheet of printed material that is made to be checked and corrected. Also called proof sheet.
b. A trial impression of a plate, stone, or block taken at any of various stages in engraving.
a. A trial photographic print.
b. Any of a limited number of newly minted coins or medals struck as specimens and for collectors from a new die on a polished planchet.
Archaic Proven impenetrability: “I was clothed in Armor of proof” (John Bunyan).

adjective

Fully or successfully resistant; impervious. Often used in combination: waterproof watches; a fireproof cellar door.
Of standard alcoholic strength.
Used in proving or making corrections.

verb proofed, proof·ing, proofs

verb, transitive

Printing
a. To make a trial impression of (printed or engraved matter).
b. To proofread (copy).
a. To activate (dormant dry yeast) by adding water.
b. To work (dough) into proper lightness.
To treat so as to make resistant: proof a fabric against shrinkage.

verb, intransitive