Shield
/ʃiːld/noun
A protective device carried to block attacks; by extension, protection or defense.
Did you know?The word ultimately comes from a Proto-Germanic root for a flat board, showing that the iconic battle-shield began as an everyday wooden surface before becoming a symbol of defense.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*skel-
“to cut, split, or cleave”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*skelduz
“a shield; originally a board or plank”
Old English
OE
scield
“a shield, protective board”
Middle English
ME
sheld
“a shield”
Modern English
English
shield
“a protective device carried to block blows or missiles”