human shield

American  

noun

1. a person or group of people located or intentionally placed in a potential line of fire or in an area likely to be attacked.

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Etymology

Origin of human shield

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

The Nazis wanted to use them as a human shield to limit the final onslaught of bombing raids on major cities.

From BBC

“At any time they could break into my house, kill me or use me as a human shield for them,” he said via text message.

From New York Times

Margono said that soldiers who survived the shootout told him the rebels had used civilians including women and children as a human shield during the assault, making the troops hesitant to return fire and resulting in them being cornered.

From Seattle Times

One patient, a boy from Mariupol, was used as a human shield.

From Seattle Times

Professors formed a human shield so students could flee.

From Seattle Times