desire to shield

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "desire to shield" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a wish or intention to protect or guard against something. Example: "Her desire to shield her children from the harsh realities of life often led her to make decisions that were not always in their best interest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Citing a desire to shield the pathologist from media attention, Edwards has declined to identify him.

The Guardian

(Everyone is sympathetic to the Bushes' desire to shield their daughters.

The New York Times

But then, the White House haste might have stemmed from its desire to shield major companies from litigation.

The New York Times

Neil is many things, but he is not leftwing, and – trust me on this, Nadine – the left has no "irrational desire" to shield him from your rage.

Independent

They must resist all forms of "local and departmental protectionism .The document from the plenum also suggests a desire to shield judges from local meddling.

The Economist

But it is hard to believe that its dogged determination to squash the Scorpions has nothing to do with a desire to shield its own.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

One contestant on The Biggest Loser described how the physical abuse he experienced throughout his childhood left him with a desire to somehow shield himself, both physically and emotionally.

Huffington Post

Even after the fact, our hearts desire has been to shield and to protect that young soul.

Huffington Post

Any desire they have to shield vulnerable older adults from potentially unwanted approaches by researchers, must be reconciled with avoiding paternalism, and a policy rhetoric that promotes empowering patients to make their own choices.

BMC Health Services Research

Another may be Moscow's reflexive desire to be shielded from foreign eyes that might see things President Putin and his military commanders do not want them to see.

The New York Times

His passion for her apparently derives from a desire to protect: he wants to shield women from danger, although he doesn't seem very good at it.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "desire to shield" when you want to convey a sense of protectiveness or a wish to guard someone or something from harm or unwanted attention. It is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "desire to shield" is acceptable, overuse in formal writing can make your tone sound overly sentimental. Consider more formal alternatives like "intent to defend" or "aim to guard" for a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "desire to shield" functions primarily as a noun phrase expressing a wish or intention to protect something or someone. It is used to describe a motive or goal related to providing safety or preventing harm, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "desire to shield" is a grammatically correct and usable English phrase that expresses a wish or intention to protect someone or something. Ludwig shows that it is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it is important to consider the tone and formality of your writing and consider using more formal alternatives when necessary. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase conveys a sense of protectiveness and concern, making it suitable for describing motivations behind safeguarding actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

urge to protect

Emphasizes the emotional drive behind the act of shielding.

wish to safeguard

Highlights the intention to ensure safety and preservation.

intent to defend

Focuses on actively guarding against potential threats.

yearning to shelter

Conveys a deep, compassionate desire to provide refuge.

aspiration to safeguard

Implies a formal or ambitious goal of ensuring protection.

aim to guard

Highlights the purposeful intention of protecting someone or something.

need to protect

Stresses the essential requirement for providing safety and security.

endeavor to preserve

Focuses on maintaining and protecting something from harm or change.

determination to secure

Highlights the resolve to make something safe and protected.

inclination to cover

Suggests a natural tendency to provide protection or concealment.

FAQs

What does "desire to shield" mean?

The phrase "desire to shield" refers to a strong wish or intention to protect someone or something from harm, danger, or unwanted attention. It suggests a protective motive and a willingness to provide a barrier against negative influences.

How can I use "desire to shield" in a sentence?

You can use "desire to shield" in a sentence to describe someone's protective intentions, for example: "Her "desire to shield" her children from the harsh realities of the world led her to be overprotective."

What can I say instead of "desire to shield"?

You can use alternatives like "urge to protect", "intent to defend", or "wish to safeguard depending on the context.

Is "desire to shield" formal or informal?

"Desire to shield" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "aspiration to safeguard" for a more professional tone.