screen

Definition

  • noun: the usually flat part of a television or computer monitor that shows the images or text
  • noun: a protective or ornamental device (as a movable partition) shielding an area from heat or drafts or from view
  • verb: to examine (people or things) in order to decide if they are suitable for a particular purpose
  • verb: to guard from injury or danger
  • often used before another noun

Examples

  • He usually 'screens his (telephone/phone) calls'. [=he usually lets his answering machine answer his phone so that he can hear who is calling before he decides to talk to whoever it is]

  • someone who 'screens' luggage at the airport [=someone who examines the luggage of airplane passengers in order to make sure that nothing dangerous is brought onto an airplane]

  • A committee will 'screen' candidates for the job, but the final hiring decision will be made by Ms. Brown.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Where are the ordinary women? And thanks. It was sweet the way you got that girl's number. Okay, Mr. Non-believer. I will take you to the house - - where your cousin Frank was tortured. I have seen it on screen. It is like that one. But on the other side of the road. It has an ocean view. (..)
    1993 Last Action Hero
  • (..) - they would not make us partners, but send me to a social worker. How do I know they tortured Frank and stashed him behind his door? I saw it on screen. This is a movie. You are very clever, and I would be roaring with laughter, - - but they killed my cousin. And that is a... (..)
    1993 Last Action Hero