noun

1. a flat, usually broad, piece of metal, wood, etc., carried in the hand or worn on the forearm to ward off blows or missiles
2. any person or thing that guards, protects, or defends
3. a heraldic escutcheon
4. anything shaped like a shield, as a plaque, trophy, badge, or emblem
5. a movable canopy protecting workers from cave-ins in mines, tunnels, etc.
6. a heavy metal screen attached to an artillery piece for the protection of the gunners
7. 1. a guard or safety screen, as over the moving parts of machinery
   2. an insulating covering on electric wires, etc.
   3. any material or structure used for protection against radiation
8. dress shield
9. Zool. a hard surface covering or shell; protective plate, as on a turtle

Etymology: ME schelde < OE scield, akin to Ger schild < Gmc *skild- < IE base *(s)kel- > shelf

transitive verb

1. to be or provide a shield for; defend; protect; guard
2. to hide from view; screen

intransitive verb