Definition of shield
1 : a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm
2 : one that protects or defends : defense
3 : dress shield
4a : a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrierb : a protective structure (such as a carapace, scale, or plate) of some animals
5 : escutcheon; especially : one that is wide at the top and rounds to a point at the bottom
6 : the Precambrian nuclear mass of a continent that is surrounded and sometimes covered by sedimentary rocks
7 : something resembling a shield: such asa : apotheciumb : a police officer's badgec : a decorative or identifying emblem
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Examples of shield in a Sentence
the heat shield on a space shuttle
the slightly built boy used his sharp wit as a shield against the school's bullies
Origin and Etymology of shield
Middle English sheld, from Old English scield; akin to Old High German scilt shield and probably to Old English sciell shell
First Known Use: before 12th century
shield
Definition of shield
shielder
nounExamples of shield in a Sentence
celebrities who are shielded by a cluster of bodyguards whenever they appear in public
she shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand
Before 12th Century
First Known Use of shield
before 12th century
Synonym Discussion of shield
SHIELD Defined for English Language Learners
shield
playDefinition of shield for English Language Learners
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: a large piece of metal, wood, etc., carried by someone (such as a soldier or police officer) for protection
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: something that defends or protects someone or something
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: a police officer's badge
shield
Definition of shield for English Language Learners
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: to cover and protect (someone or something)
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: to prevent (someone or something) from being seen
SHIELD Defined for Kids
Definition of shield for Students
1 : a broad piece of armor carried (as by a soldier) for protection
2 : something that serves as a defense or protection the heat shield on a space shuttle
Definition of shield for Students
shielded
;shielding
: to cover or screen (as from danger or harm) : provide with protection Shield your eyes from the glare.
Medical Dictionary
shield
playMedical Definition of shield
: a structure, device, or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier a lead shield to protect against X-rays
Learn More about shield
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See words that rhyme with shield Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for shield Spanish Central: Translation of shield Nglish: Translation of shield for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of shield for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about shield
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