fence
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.1fence
noun, often attributive \ˈfen(t)s\Definition of FENCE
1
archaic : a means of protection : defense
2
a : a barrier intended to prevent escape or intrusion or to mark a boundary; especially : such a barrier made of posts and wire or boards b : an immaterial barrier or boundary line <on the other side of the fence in the argument>
3
: fencing 1
4
a : a receiver of stolen goods b : a place where stolen goods are bought
— fence·less \-ləs\ adjective
— fence·less·ness noun
— on the fence
: in a position of neutrality or indecision
See Examples of FENCE
- We put up a fence around our yard.
- <the only way to prevent motorists from trying to use that unsafe bridge is to put a fence across the road leading to it>
Origin of FENCE
Middle English fens, short for defens defense
First Known Use: 14th century
2fence
verbfencedfenc·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
- a house with a fenced-in yard
- He stole watches and fenced them on the street.
First Known Use of FENCE
15th century
Related to FENCE
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