The spelling of the word "shield" is a bit tricky, as it contains a silent "h". The sound /ʃ/ is represented by the letters "sh", while the sound /i/ is represented by the letter "i". The letter "e" between the consonants "h" and "i" should be silent, but it does play an important role in indicating the pronunciation of the "i". In IPA phonetic transcription, "shield" is written as /ʃiːld/, with the symbol "ː" indicating a long vowel sound.
Shield (noun):
1. A protective device or barrier that is used to defend oneself or something from injury or danger. It is typically made of a hard material such as metal or wood and is designed to absorb or deflect blows, projectiles, or other harmful forces. Shields are commonly used in warfare, combat sports, and personal defense.
2. A symbol or emblem displayed on a coat of arms or a flag that represents a person, family, organization, or nation. Shields are often unique and distinctive in design and can convey historical, cultural, or symbolic meanings.
3. In technology, a shield refers to a protective covering or housing that safeguards sensitive electronic components or devices from electrical interference, static, or external factors that may cause damage or malfunction.
4. In biology, a shield can refer to a protective structure or plate-like formation found on certain animals or plants. These shields serve various functions, such as defense, camouflage, or providing support.
5. Figuratively, shield can denote protection or defense against something harmful, be it physical, emotional, or metaphorical. It can represent a safeguarding mechanism or a means to overcome adversity or challenges.
Verb (shielded, shielding):
1. To protect or defend someone or something from harm, danger, or unwanted influences. This can involve physically blocking or intercepting harmful elements or providing emotional or psychological support.
2. To screen or shelter someone or something from view or knowledge, often with the intent to keep them safe, hidden, or guarded. This can involve keeping secrets, concealing information, or maintaining privacy.
3. In sports, to position oneself in a way that obstructs or blocks opponents in order to protect a teammate or create an advantage. This includes actions such as blocking an opponent's attack or providing cover.
A protecting screen, such as a lead sheet for protecting the operator from the x-rays, a watch-glass sealed over the sound eye to protect it in a case of gonorrheal ophthalmia, a cap to protect a fissured nipple from injury, etc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• In former times, a broad plate borne on the left arm as defensive armour in battle or single contest; defence; shelter; one who defends or protects; in bot., one of the little cups or discs containing the fructification of lichens; in geol., a shell or covering; in her., the escutcheon or field on which are blazoned the bearings in coats of arms.
• To cover as with a shield; to protect; toward off; to defend.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "shield" can be traced back to the Old English root "scield" or "scild", which is derived from the Proto-Germanic "skelduz". This word shares its origin with several other Germanic languages, such as Old High German "scilt", Old Norse "skjǫldr", and Gothic "skildus". The Proto-Germanic root is believed to have originated from the Proto-Indo-European base *skel-, meaning "to cut" or "to split". This etymology reflects the purpose of a shield as a protective device used to divide or intercept attacks.