plural shields
1
: a large piece of metal, wood, etc., carried by someone (such as a soldier or police officer) for protection
2
: something that defends or protects someone or something
the heat shield on a space shuttle
The thief tried to use a hostage as a human shield. [=the thief hid behind the hostage so the police would not shoot]
Exercise and good nutrition are a shield against disease. [=exercise and good nutrition protect you from disease]
3
US
: a police officer's badge
4
: a picture shaped like a soldier's shield that has a coat of arms on it
5
British
: an award for winning a competition or game
shields; shielded; shielding
1
: to cover and protect (someone or something)
She shielded her eyes.
—often + fromShe lifted her hand to shield her eyes from the glare.
He was shielded from the rain.
—often used figurativelyI think she's shielded her child from the real world for too long.
His friends tried to shield him from the press.
2
: to prevent (someone or something) from being seen
—usually + from
A line of trees shields the house from view.
Cite this Entry
“Shield.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/shield. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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