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

See Examples For:

human shield

After matches, national team supporters often form a human shield so that Mboladinga can leave the stadium without getting swarmed by fans eager to take photos or record TikTok videos.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 15, 2026

Wayne's body was acting as a human shield for his eldest daughter, but his mind was elsewhere: with his missing daughter Gigi.

From BBC ● Dec. 18, 2025

Celebrities had flown to Alabama to form a human shield around the marchers, the idea being that surely no one would take a shot at Belafonte.

From Seattle Times ● Jul. 15, 2023

Greg, on the other hand, is a tool – frequently a whipping boy, sometimes a human shield, lately a corporate guillotine.

From Salon ● May 15, 2023

With Hector balanced on my hip, I position myself as a human shield near the door while simultaneously keeping my eye on Lenny’s nice lamp, ready to leap for it if necessary.

From "The Benefits of Being an Octopus" by Ann Braden