What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
protect
Example
The police officer was there to protect the citizens from harm. [protect: verb]
Example
Wearing a helmet can protect your head from injury. [protect: verb]
shield
Example
The knight used his shield to protect himself from the enemy's attack. [shield: noun]
Example
The umbrella shielded her from the rain. [shielded: past tense verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Protect is more commonly used than shield in everyday language. Protect is a more general term that can be used in various contexts, while shield is more specific and often used in physical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between protect and shield?
Both protect and shield can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, protect is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels.
