Pronunciation: [ʃˈiːldz] (IPA) 
The word shields is spelled as /ʃiːldz/. The first sound is a voiced "sh" sound, followed by a long "i" vowel sound. The "ld" ending is pronounced as a voiced consonant cluster, and the final "s" sound is also voiced. The spelling of shields is consistent with English spelling patterns, where the "ie" letter combination often represents a long "i" sound, and the letter "s" at the end of a word is usually pronounced as a voiced "z" sound.
Shields, in its noun form, refers to protective devices or objects that are used to defend against various threats, dangers, or projectiles. They are often made of sturdy materials such as metal, wood, or plastic, and are designed to act as barriers between the user and potential harm. Shields have been used throughout history in different forms and in various cultures, serving as vital tools for personal protection during battle or combat.
A shield generally consists of a flat or slightly curved surface that is held by its user in front of their body. With the objective of minimizing potential injuries, the shield is typically held in a way that covers the user's vital organs, such as the chest or head. Shields may be designed with different shapes, sizes, and additional features, depending on their origin, purpose, or historical context.
The primary function of shields is to intercept, block, or absorb incoming assaults or projectiles, such as arrows, spears, or stones. By doing so, shields provide a physical barrier that can hinder the impact or penetration of these objects. In addition to their primary defensive role, shields can also be used as offensive tools, as they can be utilized to strike or push back opponents.
In a metaphorical sense, "shields" can also refer to figurative barriers or protections in non-physical contexts. For example, a person may shield themselves emotionally by putting up walls or defenses to avoid getting hurt. Similarly, shielding can refer to safeguarding or protecting someone or something from harm or negative consequences.
* 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 "shields" has its etymology in the Old English word "sceald" or "scealdan", which means "to protect" or "to cover". This Old English term eventually evolved into "sceald" or "sceild", referring to a defensive object used in combat. Over time, the spelling variations "sheld" and "schele" emerged and were prevalent until the Middle English period. Eventually, the word "shields" became standardized and is still used today to denote a protective barrier used in warfare and as a symbol of heraldry.
