Fence

/fɛns/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A barrier, rail, or other upright structure that encloses, divides, or protects an area.

The farmer built a fence around the garden to keep out deer.

An enclosure or barrier that separates two areas or defines boundaries.

The children played safely inside the fence of the playground.

A fence used in the sport of fencing.

The fencer dashed across the fence, aiming for a point.

verb

To enclose an area with a fence.

They decided to fence the property to keep their dogs safe.

To prevent someone from accessing or entering a particular area.

The company will fence off the construction site for safety reasons.

From Middle English 'fence', derived from Old French ' defense', from Latin 'defensare', meaning 'to defend'.

fence sitter:

A person who remains neutral or indecisive.

to fence something in:

To confine or restrict something within a boundary.

To fence (as in illegal trade)

He was caught trying to fence stolen goods.

To avoid making a decision or commitment.

Stop fencing and tell me what you really think.