shield

¹shield

noun \ˈshēld\

Definition of SHIELD

1

: a broad piece of defensive armor carried on the arm

2

: one that protects or defends : defense

3

: dress shield

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

Examples of SHIELD

1. the heat shield on a space shuttle
2. <the slightly built boy used his sharp wit as a shield against the school's bullies>

Origin of SHIELD

Middle English sheld, from Old English scield; akin to Old High German scilt shield and probably to Old English sciell shell

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to SHIELD

Synonyms: aegis (also egis), ammunition, armor, buckler, cover, guard, protection, safeguard, screen, security, defense, wall, ward

Related Words: arm, armament, munitions, weapon, weaponry; fastness, fort, fortress, palisade, stronghold

Near Antonyms: aggression, assault, attack, offense (or offence), offensive

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Rhymes with SHIELD

field, keeled, weald, wheeled, wield, yield