shield
0 antonyms and opposites of shield, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A piece of protective armour carried in the hand or on the arm to block blows or weapons.
How to use shield
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English scield ("shield"), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to cut" or "split" — the original shields were likely cut from wood or hide.
Full origin of shield →Frequently asked questions
What does “shield” mean?
The word “shield” means a piece of protective armour carried in the hand or on the arm to block blows or weapons. In plain terms, something (or someone) that blocks harm, whether it is a physical piece of armour or a figurative form of protection.
How do you pronounce “shield”?
“Shield” is pronounced SHEELD (/ˈʃild/ in IPA).
How do you use “shield” in a sentence?
Here is “shield” used in a sentence: “The knight raised his shield to block the arrow.”
What is another word for “shield”?
Words with a similar meaning to “shield” include bathroom.
What part of speech is “shield”?
Depending on how it is used, “shield” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “shield” come from?
The word “shield” comes from Old English. From Old English scield ("shield"), tracing back to a Proto-Indo-European root meaning "to cut" or "split" — the original shields were likely cut from wood or hide.
Is “shield” a common word?
“Shield” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “shield” have?
“Shield” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a piece of protective armour carried in the hand or on the arm to block blows or weapons.
What is the difference between a shield and armour?
A shield is a separate piece of protective armour carried in the hand or strapped to the arm to block blows and weapons. Armour, more broadly, is worn on the body itself, while a shield is a mobile barrier you hold and manoeuvre to intercept incoming attacks.
When is 'shield' used figuratively rather than literally?
Beyond the physical object, 'shield' often means anything that protects or defends against harm, danger, or influence, as in a 'shield against criticism' or a 'human shield'. In this figurative sense it works as both a noun and a verb, as in 'to shield someone from bad news'.
What words commonly go with 'shield'?
Common collocations include 'shield against', 'shield from', 'protective shield', and 'human shield'. As a verb, you typically shield someone or something 'from' a threat, danger, or unwanted influence.
Is 'shield' the same as 'protect'?
They overlap but differ in nuance. 'Protect' is a broad, general verb for keeping something safe, while 'shield' suggests placing a specific barrier between someone and a threat, emphasising the act of blocking or deflecting rather than general safekeeping.