shields: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal. Common in historical, military, legal, and technical contexts.
Quick answer
What does “shields” mean?
As a noun: Physical protective coverings or devices, especially ones held in the hand or worn to ward off blows or projectiles. As a verb: The third person singular present form of 'shield', meaning to protect from danger or harm.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
As a noun: Physical protective coverings or devices, especially ones held in the hand or worn to ward off blows or projectiles. As a verb: The third person singular present form of 'shield', meaning to protect from danger or harm.
Metaphorical or symbolic protection (e.g., legal shields, privacy shields); a person or thing that provides defence; heraldic or emblematic designs; a protective screen or housing in machinery.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant semantic differences. The verb 'shield' is used identically. Minor spelling differences appear in derived terms (e.g., 'shielded' vs. 'shielded' is the same).
Connotations
In UK historical/medieval context, 'shields' might be slightly more associated with heraldry. In US context, might have stronger association with law enforcement (riot shields) or sports (hockey/goalie).
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both dialects. Slightly higher in US in legal/tech contexts (e.g., 'shield laws').
Grammar
How to Use “shields” in a Sentence
[Subject] shields [Object] from [Harm/Source][Subject] uses shields for [Protection/Defence][Subject] is shielded by [Agent/Thing]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “shields” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The hedge shields the garden from the coastal winds.
- A solicitor's advice shields the client from potential legal pitfalls.
American English
- The law shields consumers from fraudulent practices.
- He shields his eyes from the bright sun with his hand.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Shieldingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
American English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Shieldingly' is extremely rare and non-standard.
adjective
British English
- Not typically used as a standalone adjective. Participial adjective 'shielded' is used: 'a shielded cable', 'shielded from reality'.
American English
- Not typically used as a standalone adjective. Participial adjective 'shielded' is used: 'a shielded reactor', 'shielded witnesses'.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to liability shields, corporate structures that protect individuals from personal financial risk.
Academic
Used in history (military technology), law ('shield laws' protecting journalists), physics (radiation shielding).
Everyday
Refers to protective gear like oven shields, phone screen shields, or metaphorically as in 'emotional shields'.
Technical
In engineering: heat shields on spacecraft; in IT: electromagnetic shields; in medicine: lead shields for X-rays.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “shields”
- Using 'shields' as a singular noun (e.g., 'He took a shields' is incorrect).
- Incorrect verb pattern: 'She shields him against the criticism' (use 'from', not 'against', with the verb 'shield').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, 'shields' is strictly plural. The singular is 'shield'. Using 'shields' for a single object is a grammatical error.
Yes, very commonly. You can shield someone's identity, shield a secret, shield feelings, or shield a company from market volatility.
A shield is a separate object held or mounted for protection. Armour is protective clothing worn on the body (e.g., plate armour, bulletproof vest). Armour covers the wearer; a shield is positioned against a threat.
They are often interchangeable, but 'shield from' is more common and general. 'Shield against' can imply a more active or repeated threat (e.g., 'shield against attacks/criticism'). 'From' is preferred with the verb in most corpus data.
As a noun: Physical protective coverings or devices, especially ones held in the hand or worn to ward off blows or projectiles. As a verb: The third person singular present form of 'shield', meaning to protect from danger or harm.
Shields is usually neutral to formal. common in historical, military, legal, and technical contexts. in register.
Shields: in British English it is pronounced /ʃiːldz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ʃiːldz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The other side of the shield (the opposite aspect of an argument)”
- “Shield and buckler (complete protection)”
- “Hide behind one's shield (use an excuse for protection)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a knight on a battlefield holding a SHE-ILD. The 'she' (the shield) protects 'I' (the person) from 'LD' (lethal danger).
Conceptual Metaphor
PROTECTION IS A SHIELD (e.g., 'laws shield citizens', 'his arrogance shields his insecurity').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'shields' MOST likely to be used metaphorically?