Shield
ʃiːld
Definitions
2 meaningsA broad piece of defensive armor, typically carried to protect the body from weapons or attacks.
ʃiːld
A broad piece of defensive armor.
The soldiers carried their shields into battle.
💡 Simply: Think of it like a personal bodyguard for your body! It's like when you use your arm to block a thrown ball. A shield is that, but stronger and to protect you from bad stuff.
👶 For kids: A shield is like a big, strong wall you can hold to keep you safe from being hit!
More Examples
He used his shield to block the blows of the opponent.
The company provided a financial shield against economic downturns.
How It's Used
"The knight raised his shield to deflect the arrow."
"Her strong personality acted as a shield against negativity."
To protect or screen someone or something from harm, danger, or unpleasantness.
ʃiːld
To protect or screen something.
He shielded his eyes from the bright sun.
💡 Simply: Imagine creating a wall to keep something safe, like you might use your hand to shield your eyes from the sun. It's about blocking something bad from happening or seeing.
👶 For kids: To shield means to keep something safe and sound, like hiding from rain under a big umbrella!
More Examples
The company shielded its profits from taxes.
The wall shielded the garden from the harsh wind.
How It's Used
"The trees shielded the house from the wind."
"She shielded her children from the harsh realities of the world."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
under the shield
Protected or defended.
"They lived under the shield of their powerful allies."
From Old English *scild* (related to Old High German *scilt*, meaning 'board, protection'). The word has been used to describe both a protective device and a means of defense.
Historically, shields were crucial defensive tools in warfare, and their design and use are well-documented in ancient and medieval texts.
Memory tip
Imagine a knight holding a large, protective barrier.
Word Origin
"protection, a protective barrier"