Meaning

Anything that protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection..

Definitions by Sense

1. Anything that protects or defends; defense; shelter; protection.
2. A shape like that of a shield; usually, an inverted triangle with sides that curve inward to form a pointed bottom, commonly used for police identifications and company logos.
3. (geology) A large expanse of exposed stable Precambrian rock.
4. (figuratively, Scotland, euphemistic, obsolete) A place with a toilet seat: an outhouse; a lavatory.
5. (automotive, British English) Parts at the front and back of a vehicle which are meant to absorb the impact of a collision
6. (ambitransitive) To protect, to defend.
7. (UK, intransitive) To shelter; to protect oneself.
8. (electricity) To protect from the influence of.

Example Sentences

Sunscreen shields against the harmful effects of solar rays.

Shots rang out and a 15-year-old boy, shielding a woman from the line of fire, was killed.

The government has updated its guidance for people who are shielding taking into account that COVID-19 disease levels have decreased over the last few weeks.

Word Forms

• shields
• shielding
• shielded

Synonyms for shield

Related Words

When Should You Use Shield?

Use shield when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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