# shielding

/ˈʃiɫdɪŋ/ (US) · /ʃˈiːldɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/shielding
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

a physical layer or barrier that protects something from harm. You use it to talk about blocking things like heat, radiation, or even viruses.

For teachers: a physical barrier or protective layer designed to block or reduce the transmission of energy, particles, or harmful substances.

## Examples

- The workers wear lead shielding to protect themselves from radiation.
- Engineers added extra thermal shielding to the spacecraft to prevent it from burning up during atmospheric reentry.
- The effectiveness of electromagnetic shielding depends heavily on the conductivity and thickness of the material used to enclose the sensitive electronic components.

## Usage notes

- Often used in technical contexts; frequently paired with 'lead', 'thermal', or 'magnetic'.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.
