fence

²fence

verb

fencedfenc·ing

Definition of FENCE

transitive verb

1

a : to enclose with a fence b (1) : to keep in or out with a fence (2) : to ward off

2

: to provide a defense for

3

: to sell (stolen property) to a fence

intransitive verb

1

a : to practice fencing b (1) : to use tactics of attack and defense resembling those of fencing (2) : to parry arguments by shifting ground

2

archaic : to provide protection

— fenc·er noun

Examples of FENCE

1. a house with a fenced-in yard
2. He stole watches and fenced them on the street.

First Known Use of FENCE

15th century

Related to FENCE

Synonyms: bulwark, cover, defend, fend, forfend, guard, keep, protect, safeguard, screen, secure, shield, ward

Antonyms: assail, assault, attack

Related Words: avert, prevent; oppose, resist, withstand; battle, contend, fight, war; conserve, preserve, save; buffer, palisade, picket, wall

Near Antonyms: bombard, storm; beset, besiege, overrun; capitulate, cave, submit, yield

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Rhymes with FENCE

sense, tense, whence