First Known Use: before 12th century
Dictionary
1shield
noun \ˈshēld\
: a large piece of metal, wood, etc., carried by someone (such as a soldier or police officer) for protection
: something that defends or protects someone or something
: a police officer's badge
Full Definition of SHIELD
1
: a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm
2
: one that protects or defends : defense
3
4
a : a device or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier b : a protective structure (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: as a : apothecium b : a police officer's badge c : a decorative or identifying emblem
See shield defined for English-language learners
See shield defined for kids
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Origin of SHIELD
Middle English sheld, from Old English scield; akin to Old High German scilt shield and probably to Old English sciell shell
Related to SHIELD
2shield
transitive verb
: to cover and protect (someone or something)
: to prevent (someone or something) from being seen
Full Definition of SHIELD
1
a : to protect with or as if with a shield : provide with a protective cover or shelter b : to cut off from observation : hide
First Known Use of SHIELD
before 12th century
Related to SHIELD
Synonym Discussion of SHIELD
defend, protect, shield, guard, safeguard mean to keep secure from danger or against attack. defend denotes warding off actual or threatened attack <defend the country>. protect implies the use of something (as a covering) as a bar to the admission or impact of what may attack or injure <a hard hat to protect your head>. shield suggests protective intervention in imminent danger or actual attack <shielded her eyes from the sun with her hand>. guard implies protecting with vigilance and force against expected danger <White House entrances are well guarded>. safeguard implies taking precautionary protective measures against merely possible danger <our civil liberties must be safeguarded>.
SHIELD Defined for Kids
1shield
noun \ˈshēld\
Definition of SHIELD for Kids
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>
2shield
verb
shield·edshield·ing
Definition of SHIELD for Kids
: to cover or screen (as from danger or harm) : provide with protection <Shield your eyes from the glare.>
Medical Dictionary
shield
noun \ˈshēld\
Medical Definition of SHIELD
: a structure, device, or part that serves as a protective cover or barrier <a lead shield to protect against X-rays>
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