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fence

n. · v.
US //ˈfɛns// UK //fˈɛns// fence
  1. 1 a barrier (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a structure made of wood or metal that surrounds a garden or field.

    a barrier, typically made of posts and wire or boards, enclosing an area of ground to mark a boundary or prevent access.

    Example

    The farmer built a tall wooden fence to keep the cows from leaving the field.

    Example

    The property line was clearly demarcated by a rusted iron fence that had stood since the late nineteenth century.
  2. 2 stolen goods dealer (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Slang

    a person who buys and sells stolen things.

    a person who receives and disposes of stolen goods as a middleman.

    Example

    The thief took the expensive watches to a fence in the city to get some cash.

    Example

    Police investigators tracked the stolen jewellery to a local fence who operated out of a legitimate-looking pawn shop.
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  1. 3 to enclose (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put a fence around an area of land.

    to enclose or separate an area with a fence. Often used with the particle 'in' or 'off'.

    Example

    They decided to fence off the garden to protect the vegetables from rabbits.

    Example

    The construction crew had to fence off the entire site to ensure public safety during the demolition phase.

    Usage

    Often appears as the phrasal verbs 'fence in' or 'fence off'.
  2. 4 the sport (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Sport

    to fight with a long, thin sword as a sport.

    to engage in the sport of swordplay using a foil, épée, or sabre.

    Example

    She learned to fence when she was at university and joined the local club.

    Example

    The two athletes began to fence with incredible speed, their blades clashing in a series of rapid parries and lunges.
  3. 5 to avoid answering (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Formal Literary

    to avoid giving a direct answer to a question.

    to use evasive language or hedge when being questioned.

    Example

    The politician started to fence when the reporter asked about the missing money.

    Example

    During the cross-examination, the witness continued to fence with the lawyer, providing vague answers to avoid self-incrimination.
Origin

From Middle English fence, fens, short for defence, defens (“the act of defending”), from Old French defens, defense (see defence). The sense "enclosure" arises in the mid 15th century. Also from the 15th century is use as a verb in the sense "to enclose with a fence". The generalized sense "to defend, screen, protect" arises ca. 1500. The sense "to fight with swords (rapiers)" is from the 1590s (Shakespeare). Displaced native Old English heġe (compare Modern English hedge).

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