To screen, shelter. To save from punishment or harm, esp. by suffering (in a person's stead); to exempt (a person) from a duty by taking his place…

In immaterial sense: To be a security or protection to; to take under one's protection or patronage; to screen from blame or punishment, or from…

transitive. To be or provide a shelter for. figurative. To screen from punishment, censure, etc.

transitive. To shield or protect (someone or something) from danger, harm, hostility, etc.; esp. to protect or save (an offender) from punishment…