Skip to main content
shield

shield

571 2.9
A broad piece of armor held to protect someone from harm
  • noun
  • /ʃiːld/
: escudo
  • The knight raised his shield to block the incoming arrows.
  • a protective shield
  • face shield
  • hold a shield

In Old English, however, my shield protects me and my sword.

Autoplay Next

Examples

  • Why is the shield not yet up?

  • His right elbow rests on a shield, and he holds a golden spear in his left hand.

    Academic text (2008)
  • It's a case based on a shield meant to protect the phone.

  • I broke my shield in that battle.

  • It's almost like you caught me without my shield and without my sword.

  • Israel has managed to contain terrorist activities and has built an effective shield against missiles.

    Academic text (2013)
  • Stephen picks up the door and, using it as a shield, charges into the flames.

    Fiction book (1991)
  • She has a long dress and she's holding a shield and a sword.

  • In the confusion, Indy's shield is knocked from his hand by the powerful battle axe.

    Fiction book (1990)
  • The engraving on the shield, it's the same as on the Grail tablet.

Synonyms

case
vsshield
478 1.0

A box or container for holding and carrying things like bottles

is a broader protective piece used against physical attacks and danger, not just storage
casing
vsshield
64 3.0

An outer cover that protects things like a tire from damage

is a broader armor or structure protecting people and areas, not only housing parts
guard
vsshield
  • Specialized
47 2.0

A device that protects you from moving parts or sharp edges

is a broader protective structure against direct harm and blows, not only hazard prevention
covering
vsshield
19 1.1

A thing placed over something to protect or hide it

is a broad defensive structure used specifically against physical blows or danger
protective cover
vsshield
3 2.7

An object placed over something to keep it safe from damage

is a broader armor structure protecting people and property, not just objects
1 3.2

Something you put over a thing to keep it safe from damage

is a broad armor piece or structure used against blows or danger
buckler
vsshield
  • Archaic
1 9.9

A small round shield held in the hand or worn on the arm to stop sword blows

is broader and larger, used as general protective armor not just handheld

Idioms

9.9

In a way that shows strong confidence and keeps others at a distance

Compounds

heat shield
  • Specialized
11 4.6

A layer or device that protects a spacecraft from very hot air when it returns to the atmosphere

1 7.5

A line of soldiers holding shields close together to form a strong defence

1 3.4

A cover you wear over the eyes to protect them from injury or bright light

1 6.5

A large area of very old rocks that form a high, flat land across much of eastern and central Canada

A six-pointed star made from two overlapping triangles used as a Jewish symbol

A thin rubber or plastic cover that fits over a woman's nipple to help feed a baby

shield fern
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A fern with shield-shaped coverings under its leaves

Guiana Shield
  • Specialized
1 9.5

A large, very old high flat area in northern South America that covers parts of Venezuela, Guyana, and Brazil

A plant with soft feathery leaves that people grow in gardens for decoration

9.9

A cold, protective attitude people use to hide feelings and avoid criticism

A green plant with divided leaves that smell pleasant

Goldie's shield fern
  • Specialized
9.9

A large North American fern that has a dark shiny stem

prickly shield fern
  • Specialized
9.9

A North American fern with year-round green leathery leaves covered in pale brown scales

A water plant with round floating leaves and small flowers found in ponds and lakes

water-shield family
  • Specialized
9.0

A family of water plants like Cabomba or Brasenia that live in still, slow water

How Protective

armor
  • US
300 3.0
shield
571 2.9
carapace
  • Specialized
5 8.7
scutum
  • Specialized
1 9.9
scute
  • Specialized
1 9.9
scale
44 3.5
skin
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

shield singular
shields plural

Etymology

Shield comes from the old English scield, which was a piece of armor used to block blows, and that idea of 'stopping danger' is why a shield protects a fighter or soldier.