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.
to shield
To deliberately keep someone away from negative influences, information, or contacts in order to protect him or her.
Die Eltern versuchten, ihre Kinder vor den schrecklichen Nachrichten im Fernsehen abzuschirmen.
The parents tried to shield their children from the terrible news on television.
to shield
In technology, to insulate a device or cable so that it is protected from electrical or magnetic interference.
Das Mikrofonkabel muss gut abgeschirmt sein, um Störgeräusche zu vermeiden.
The microphone cable must be well shielded to avoid interference noise.
'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 protecting against harmful influences. Schützen refers generally to preventing harm, while abschirmen emphasizes a separating barrier against an external influence. Schützen fits a general protective measure; abschirmen fits a wall, cover, or similar form of shielding.
Die Jalousie schirmt die Haut vor der starken Sonne ab.
The blinds shield the skin from the strong sunlight.
Die Sonnencreme schützt die Haut vor schädlicher UV-Strahlung.
The sunscreen protects the skin from harmful UV radiation.
