to shield
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to shield
To physically protect someone or something from a harmful or disruptive influence such as heat, light, noise, or danger.
Sie schirmte ihre Augen mit der Hand gegen die grelle Sonne ab.
She shielded her eyes from the glaring sun with her hand.
'Abschirmen' (to shield) is a separable verb. In a main clause, the prefix 'ab' comes at the end of the sentence, while in a subordinate clause it remains attached to the verb. The base word 'der Schirm' (shield/protection) helps with understanding the meaning.
Er schirmt seine Familie konsequent von der Presse ab.
He consistently shields his family from the press.
'Abschirmen' (to shield) is usually used with the preposition 'vor' (+ dative) or 'gegen' (+ accusative) to express protection from a danger or disturbance.
Die Hecke schirmt den Garten vor neugierigen Blicken ab.
The hedge shields the garden from curious glances.
When keeping someone away from information or social contacts, the preposition 'von' (+ dative) is often used. The phrase 'jemanden von der Außenwelt abschirmen' (to shield someone from the outside world) is typical.
Manche Prominente schirmen ihre Kinder komplett von der Öffentlichkeit ab.
Some celebrities completely shield their children from the public.
This meaning is used almost exclusively in technical or physical contexts. It is usually about protection from electrical, magnetic, or acoustic interference.
Das Gehäuse des Geräts ist speziell abgeschirmt, um Interferenzen zu verhindern.
The device's housing is specially shielded to prevent interference.
to protect
'schützen' and 'abschirmen' can both mean keeping someone or something safe from harmful influences. 'schützen' is the more general word and fits many kinds of danger. 'abschirmen' puts more emphasis on creating some kind of boundary or distance. This can be physical, for example against noise or light, or social, when someone is kept away from contacts or information. In technology, 'abschirmen' is also used for cables or devices. If you simply mean safety in a general sense, 'schützen' sounds more natural.
Mina hat das Baby mit einem Tuch vor der Sonne abgeschirmt.
Mina shielded the baby from the sun with a cloth.
Am Wochenende will ich meine Familie vor zu viel Stress schützen.
At the weekend, I want to protect my family from too much stress.