'法盾' (fǎ dùn) is a metaphorical compound noun meaning 'legal shield' — literally 'law' (法) + 'shield' (盾). It refers to legal protections, rights, or mechanisms that safeguard individuals or groups from harm, injustice, or unlawful actions. Unlike a physical shield, 法盾 represents the defensive power of laws, regulations, and legal procedures — for example, anti-discrimination statutes, consumer protection laws, or constitutional guarantees.

This term is commonly used in formal contexts such as legal commentary, policy discussions, and public advocacy. It carries a positive, protective connotation and often appears in phrases like '筑牢法治之盾' ('strengthen the shield of rule of law') or '为弱势群体撑起法盾' ('raise a legal shield for vulnerable groups'). While not a technical legal term, it functions as a vivid rhetorical device in media, education, and civil society discourse to emphasize law’s role in defense and equity.