fence
B1Neutral, used across all registers from informal to formal, depending on context.
Definition
Meaning
A structure serving as a barrier, boundary, or enclosure, typically made of posts and wire or wood.
1) To enclose or divide an area with a fence. 2) To engage in the sport of fencing. 3) To deal in stolen goods. 4) To avoid giving a direct answer; to be evasive.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word has distinct literal (physical barrier) and figurative (evasion, illegal trade) meanings. The context is crucial for disambiguation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal differences in core meaning. 'Fencing' as a sport and activity is identical. The verb 'to fence' meaning to sell stolen goods is more common in UK police/crime contexts.
Connotations
Similar connotations of division, privacy, and property. 'Fence' as a verb meaning to avoid a question is slightly more common in UK political discourse.
Frequency
The noun is equally high-frequency. The verb meaning 'to engage in sword fighting' is of similar low frequency.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[V] fence sth (in/off)[V] fence with sb[V] fence (for sb)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “sit on the fence”
- “mend fences”
- “fence someone in”
- “over the fence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in property/construction contexts ('erect a perimeter fence'). Figuratively: 'The CEO tried to fence with the difficult questions.'
Academic
Rare, except in historical/archaeological contexts discussing land use or fortifications.
Everyday
Very common for discussing homes, gardens, farms, and property boundaries.
Technical
Used in agriculture, construction, and security. In computing, 'fence' can refer to a memory or synchronization barrier.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to fence off the vegetable patch from the rabbits.
- The politician cleverly fenced with the interviewer's accusations.
- He was arrested for fencing stolen mobile phones.
American English
- They fenced in the entire backyard for the dog.
- She fences competitively at the national level.
- The thief needed someone to fence the jewellery quickly.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A - 'fence' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'fencing' (fencing post, fencing wire).
American English
- N/A - 'fence' is not standardly used as an adjective. Use 'fencing' (fencing material, fencing company).
Examples
By CEFR Level
- There is a tall fence around my garden.
- The dog cannot cross the fence.
- We painted the fence white.
- They built a wooden fence to get more privacy from their neighbours.
- The farmer put up an electric fence to keep the cows in.
- I'm trying to mend fences with my brother after our argument.
- The council decided to fence off the dangerous area of the park.
- Accused of corruption, the minister simply fenced with every question posed by the journalist.
- The two rivals have been fencing verbally for months in the press.
- The new legislation effectively fences in the industry with a raft of bureaucratic requirements.
- He operated as a fence for a sophisticated gang of art thieves, finding buyers for their loot overseas.
- The debate centred on the ethical fences we must construct around emerging technologies.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a DEFENCE around your property – a FENCE. Both protect and enclose.
Conceptual Metaphor
BARRIERS ARE FENCES (e.g., 'fence of regulations', 'fence off emotions'). EVASION IS FENCING (e.g., 'he fenced with my questions').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'забором' в значении таверны или кабак (это 'pub').
- Глагол 'to fence' (спортивное фехтование) не имеет прямого отношения к существительному 'fence' (забор) в русском языке, что может сбивать с толку.
- 'Sit on the fence' означает 'занимать нейтральную/нерешительную позицию', а не буквально сидеть на заборе.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect article: 'He jumped over fence.' (Correct: '...over the/a fence').
- Confusing verb forms: 'They fenced the garden yesterday.' (Correct for building a fence) vs. 'They were fencing for an hour.' (Correct for the sport).
Practice
Quiz
What does 'to sit on the fence' mean?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is far more frequently used as a noun referring to the physical structure. The verb uses, while common, are more specialised (construction, sport, crime).
A fence is typically an open structure of posts and wire/wood. A wall is a solid structure of brick, stone, or concrete. A hedge is a living barrier made of closely planted bushes or shrubs.
Yes, in idioms like 'mend fences' (repair a relationship) it is positive. Literally, it connotes safety, privacy, and defined property, which are generally positive.
They are etymologically different. The noun 'fence' (barrier) comes from 'defence'. The verb 'to fence' (sword fight) comes from the same root, originally meaning 'to defend oneself', which shortened to 'fence' in the 16th century.