shield
A hard object that you hold or place in front of you or another thing to keep it safe from danger.
A rigid or semi‑rigid object used as a barrier to protect a person or thing from physical harm, impact, or other harmful effects.
To keep someone or something safe from danger, damage, or something bad, often by covering or blocking.
To protect someone or something from harm, danger, or an unwanted effect, especially by blocking or covering them.
Something that keeps a person or group safe from blame, problems, or other bad things that are not physical.
Something that provides protection from criticism, responsibility, risk, or other non‑physical harm.
A person or group that is put in front of others so that they are hit or hurt first, to keep the others safe.
A person, group, or sometimes an object that is put in a dangerous position to protect someone else from attack or harm.
A badge or picture with a shield shape that shows power, rank, or a family or group.
A badge, emblem, or symbol in the shape of a shield, especially one showing official authority or a family, city, or organization.
In geology, a large area of very old hard rock that makes up the center of a continent and is open at the ground surface.
In geology, a broad region of very old, hard crystalline rock that forms the stable core of a continent and is often exposed at the surface.
- Base: shield
- Plural: shields
act as a shield
1serve as a form of protection
To be something that gives protection, either physical or non‑physical, like a wall, law, or strong friend.
- The forests act as a shield against strong winds from the ocean.
- Strict rules can act as a shield for consumers against fraud.
heat shield
1device that protects from heat
A special part or cover that stops heat from damaging a car, rocket, or other machine.
- The spacecraft’s heat shield must survive extremely high temperatures.
- A metal heat shield protects the wall behind the stove.
human shield
1person used as protective barrier
A person or group of people who are put in front of others so they are in danger first, to keep the others safe.
- The hostages were forced to act as human shields.
- They accused the fighters of using civilians as human shields.
police shield
1police officer's badge
A badge that a police officer carries to show that he or she is a real officer.
- He flashed his police shield and entered the restricted area.
- The movie showed a close‑up of the detective’s shield.
shield [someone/something] against
1protect against something harmful
To protect a person or thing against something harmful, such as disease, heat, or risk.
- The vaccine helps shield the population against serious illness.
- Good planning can shield a company against sudden market changes.
shield [someone/something] from
1protect someone or something from something
To protect a person or thing from something harmful, such as danger, light, or bad news.
- Parents often try to shield their children from bad experiences.
- She used her umbrella to shield the camera from the rain.
shield your eyes
1cover your eyes from light
To put your hand or something else in front of your eyes to block bright light or flying things.
- Shield your eyes, the flash is very bright.
- He shielded his eyes from the dust as the car drove past.
tax shield
1reduction of taxes via deductions
A way of paying less tax by using legal tax rules, such as interest or depreciation, to lower your taxable income.
- Mortgage interest payments can provide a valuable tax shield for homeowners.
- The company used debt financing partly for the tax shield it offers.