A1 noun Neutral #2,761 most common

shield

/ʃiːld/

A shield is a large piece of metal or wood used by soldiers to protect their bodies from weapons. In a general sense, it is anything that protects you from danger, pain, or damage.

Examples

3 of 5
1

The police officer held a large plastic shield during the protest.

The police officer held a large plastic shield during the protest.

2

The diplomat requested a legal shield against the new regulations.

The diplomat requested a legal shield against the new regulations.

3

Use your backpack as a shield so the rain doesn't hit your face.

Use your backpack as a shield so the rain doesn't hit your face.

Word Family

Noun
shield
Verb
shield
Adjective
shielded
Related
shielding
💡

Memory Tip

Think of Captain America; he uses a round 'shield' to stay safe.

Quick Quiz

The brave knight held a ______ in his left hand to block the dragon's fire.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shield

Examples

1

The police officer held a large plastic shield during the protest.

everyday

The police officer held a large plastic shield during the protest.

2

The diplomat requested a legal shield against the new regulations.

formal

The diplomat requested a legal shield against the new regulations.

3

Use your backpack as a shield so the rain doesn't hit your face.

informal

Use your backpack as a shield so the rain doesn't hit your face.

4

The ozone layer acts as a biological shield for the planet.

academic

The ozone layer acts as a biological shield for the planet.

5

Our company uses this insurance as a financial shield.

business

Our company uses this insurance as a financial shield.

Word Family

Noun
shield
Verb
shield
Adjective
shielded
Related
shielding

Common Collocations

riot shield riot shield
protective shield protective shield
human shield human shield
heat shield heat shield
wind shield wind shield

Common Phrases

act as a shield

to serve as a protection

shield of honor

a symbolic award for bravery

under the shield of

being protected by something

Often Confused With

shield vs shell

A shell is a hard outer covering of an animal; a shield is a tool held for protection.

shield vs screen

A screen is used for watching or separating; a shield is used specifically for defense.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'shield' when talking about physical armor or metaphorical protection (like laws or layers). It is often followed by the preposition 'against'.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners sometimes confuse 'shield' with 'protect'. Remember that 'shield' is usually the object that does the protecting.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of Captain America; he uses a round 'shield' to stay safe.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old English word 'scild', which means a board or a piece of split wood.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun: one shield, two shields Often used with 'against' (e.g., a shield against the wind)
🌍

Cultural Context

In Western history, shields are strongly associated with medieval knights and heraldry.

Quick Quiz

The brave knight held a ______ in his left hand to block the dragon's fire.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shield

Related Words

consequent

C2

In logic and philosophy, a consequent is the second part of a conditional proposition, following the 'if' clause (the antecedent). It represents the result or deduction that follows necessarily or naturally from a previous statement or condition.

administrate

B2

To manage, supervise, or oversee the operations and activities of an organization, program, or system. It involves the practical execution of policies and the organization of resources to achieve specific goals.

administrative

C1

Relating to the organization and management of a business, institution, or government. It describes the practical tasks, systems, and procedures required to keep an entity running efficiently behind the scenes.

assistant

C2

A person who ranks below a senior professional and aids them in their duties, often handling specialized tasks or administrative burdens. In a professional or academic context, an assistant often possesses significant expertise but operates under the direction of a superior to facilitate complex operations.

commissioner

C1

A high-ranking official who is in charge of a government department, a public organization, or a professional sports league. This person is typically appointed to exercise administrative authority or to oversee a specific commission or set of regulations.

computer

C1

A sophisticated electronic device designed to store, retrieve, and process data through programmed instructions. In modern discourse, it encompasses everything from microprocessors in appliances to high-performance servers facilitating global networks.

conclusion

C2

A final judgment, decision, or opinion reached by reasoning after considering all evidence and facts. It also refers to the final part of a piece of writing or a speech that summarizes the main points and provides a closing statement.

consume

C1

To consume means to use up a resource, such as energy, time, or goods, or to eat and drink something. In academic contexts, it often refers to the utilization of information, products, or services by individuals or groups within an economy or social system.

design

C1

A detailed plan or scheme that outlines the functional and aesthetic features of an object or system before it is made. In an academic context, it refers to the deliberate structure or methodology of a study or process designed to achieve specific outcomes.

consumer

B2

A consumer is a person who purchases goods and services for personal use rather than for resale or business purposes. In a broader biological or ecological context, it refers to any organism that feeds on other organisms or organic matter.

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