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fence

Syllabification: (fence)
Pronunciation: /fens/
Translate fence | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of fence

noun

  • 1a barrier, railing, or other upright structure, typically of wood or wire, enclosing an area of ground to mark a boundary, control access, or prevent escape.
  • a large upright obstacle used in equestrian jumping events.
  • 2a guard or guide on a plane, saw, or other tool.
  • 3 informal a person who deals in stolen goods.

verb

  • 1 [with object] surround or protect with a fence:our garden was not fully fenced
  • (fence something in/off) enclose or separate with a fence for protection or to prevent escape:everything is fenced in to keep out the wolves
  • (fence someone/something out) use a barrier to exclude someone or something:Idaho law requires people to fence out cows
  • 2 [with object] informal deal in (stolen goods):after stealing your ring, he didn’t even know how to fence it
  • 3 [no object] fight with swords, especially as a sport. See also fencing.
  • conduct a discussion or argument in such a way as to avoid the direct mention of something:we were fencing, not talking about the subject we’d come to talk about

Phrases

mend (one's) fences

see mend.

side of the fence

either of the opposing positions involved in a conflict:whatever side of the fence you are on, the issue is here to stay

sit on the fence

avoid making a decision or choice.

Derivatives

fenceless

adjective

fencer

noun

Origin:

Middle English (in the sense 'defending, defence'): shortening of defence. Compare with fend

fence in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of fence in the British & World English dictionary

Nearby words

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