Protects (6)
'protects' is the definition.
(shielding is a kind of protecting)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for shields that I've seen before include "Protects or hides from danger" , "More than one buckler, maybe" , "Escutcheons" .)
'protects' is the definition.
(defending is a kind of protecting)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for defends that I've seen before include "Supports" , "Protects from attack" .)
'protects' is the definition.
(guarding is a kind of protecting)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for guards that I've seen before include "troops" , "Protection" , "Keeps watch" , "Watches over and protects" , "They protect" .)