What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
shield
Example
The knight held up his shield to block the enemy's attack. [shield: noun]
Example
She shielded her children from the harsh truth. [shielded: verb]
Example
The glass shield protected the painting from dust and sunlight. [shield: noun]
barrier
Example
The barrier on the bridge prevented cars from crossing. [barrier: noun]
Example
Language can be a barrier to communication between people from different countries. [barrier: noun]
Example
The fence acted as a barrier to keep the animals in the enclosure. [barrier: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Barrier is more commonly used than shield in everyday language. Barrier is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while shield is less common and often used in specific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shield and barrier?
Both shield and barrier can be used in formal and informal contexts, but barrier is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts, making it more suitable for formal writing or speech.
