Guard, shield (7)
I believe the answer is:
protect
I believe this is a double definition.
'guard' is the first definition.
(I know that guard is a more specific form of protect)
'shield' is the second definition.
(I know that shield is a more specific form of protect)
(Other definitions for protect that I've seen before include "Safeguard" , "Keep safe" , "Shield from danger" , "Guard" , "Take care of" .)