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 sword. [shield: noun]
Example
She shielded her eyes from the bright sun with her hand. [shielded: verb]
guard
Example
The security guard checked everyone's ID before allowing them into the building. [guard: noun]
Example
He guarded his secret closely, not wanting anyone to find out. [guarded: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Guard is more commonly used than shield in everyday language. Guard is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while shield is less common and refers to a specific type of protection.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between shield and guard?
Both shield and guard can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, guard is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of formality levels, while shield is more limited in its usage.
