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

Up to now, Martin has been a human shield, an easy punchbag, but for all the animosity he drew no Rangers fan thinks that the club's problems began and ended with him.

From BBC

Benigno Alarcón, a political analyst at the Andrés Bello Catholic University, says Maduro's plan for the militia is not for it to engage in battle but rather to act as a "human shield".

From BBC

She told the PM: "Labour MPs are going on the record saying that the chancellor is toast, and the reality is that she is a human shield for his incompetence."

From BBC

Meanwhile, at the party Valentin’s buddy seizes Mook as a human shield.

From Los Angeles Times

“The decision has chosen the side of terror and evil over democracy and freedom, and turned the very system of justice into a human shield for Hamas’ crimes against humanity,” he added.

From BBC