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human shield

American

noun

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

Etymology

Origin of human shield

First recorded in 1880–85

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

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

Professors formed a human shield so students could flee.

From Seattle Times • Oct. 27, 2022

The professors encircled the students, locking arms to form a human shield around them.

From New York Times • Oct. 6, 2022

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

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023