Protected or defended against something harmful, like danger, information, or electromagnetic radiation; kept away from negative influences.
From 'shield' (Old English 'scield'), originally a piece of armor. The verb 'to shield' meaning 'to protect' appeared by the 1300s. The past participle 'shielded' is used both literally (a shielded cable) and metaphorically (shielded from criticism).
In electronics, 'shielded' cables are wrapped in metal to protect the signal from interference—and your brain actually uses the same principle! The blood-brain barrier is like a shield that keeps harmful substances out while letting nutrients in.
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