FENCE Meaning and
Definition
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A fence is a physical structure typically made of wood, metal, or wire mesh that serves as a barrier or enclosure to demarcate a specific area. It is commonly erected around residential properties, farms, gardens, or public areas to provide security, privacy, or to mark boundaries. The purpose of a fence varies, including preventing trespassing or unauthorized access, deterring animals or intruders, and ensuring the safety of individuals or property within its confines.
Fences can be constructed in various styles and heights, based on the intended use or aesthetic preferences. They may consist of vertical posts firmly rooted in the ground, connected by horizontal rails or wires. Some fences employ additional elements like pickets, lattice, or panels to enhance their visual appeal or functionality. Fences can range from low-profile structures that merely serve as visual markers to tall, solid walls that provide complete privacy and security.
The term "fence" can also be used figuratively to describe a metaphorical barrier or boundary that separates two groups, individuals, or ideas. In this sense, a fence represents an obstacle in communication, collaboration, or understanding between different entities. The concept of a fence can be applied in various contexts, such as politics, social interactions, or even ideologies, where it symbolizes divisions, restrictions, or exclusions that hinder unity or mutual cooperation.
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• A boundary composed of a hedge, or line of posts or stakes driven into the ground; guard; security.
• To enclose with a hedge or wall of posts; to protect or guard; to defend by giving and avoiding blows, as with a foil or sword.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for FENCE *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for FENCE
Etymology of FENCE
The word "fence" has an interesting and complex etymology. It originated from the Old French word "defens" or "fens", which meant "defense" or "defensive wall". This Old French word can be traced back further to the Latin word "fensus", which also meant "defense" or "abutting wall".
Over time, the meaning of "fence" evolved to refer specifically to a barrier or enclosure made of wooden or metal posts and rails, designed to mark a boundary or protect an area. This sense of the word emerged during the 14th century, and the spelling "fence" became established during the 15th century.
Furthermore, the verb form of "fence", meaning to enclose or protect with a fence, is related to the noun form.
Idioms with the word FENCE
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on the fence
The idiom "on the fence" means to be undecided or uncertain about a decision, opinion, or course of action. It refers to being in a state of indecisiveness or sitting on the boundary between two options without fully committing to either one.
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fence sth in
The idiom "fence something in" means to enclose or surround something, typically with a physical barrier like a fence, in order to keep it contained or protected. It can be used figuratively to describe the act of restricting or confining someone or something within certain limits or boundaries.
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fence sm in
The idiom "fence someone in" means to restrict or confine someone, often by imposing limitations or barriers that limit their freedom or growth. It implies a sense of being trapped or enclosed within boundaries that prevent progress or escape.
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fence sm or sth off (from sth)
The idiom "fence something off (from something)" means to physically or metaphorically separate or isolate something from something else, typically for the purpose of protection or exclusion. It often involves literal or figurative fencing or barriers.
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fence with (someone)
The idiom "fence with (someone)" refers to engaging in a verbal or intellectual exchange or argument with another person, typically in a challenging or playful manner. It's akin to two individuals metaphorically sparring with words, each trying to outwit or outmaneuver the other in the conversation.
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fence in
The idiom "fence in" means to restrict or confine someone or something within limits, boundaries, or constraints. It can also refer to the act of enclosing or surrounding an area with a physical barrier, like a fence.
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fence with
The idiom "fence with" typically refers to engaging in a debate, argument, or discussion in a cautious or noncommittal manner. It signifies the act of avoiding taking a firm stance or making a decisive decision, often while being evasive or indecisive during the conversation. It suggests the lack of commitment or the ability to remain neutral in a conversation without expressing a strong opinion.
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over the fence
The idiom "over the fence" is an expression used to describe something that is done or accomplished easily and without much effort. It suggests that a task or activity was completed with great success and efficiency, as if effortlessly hitting a home run in baseball and effortlessly clearing the fence.
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come down on one side of the fence or the other
The idiom "come down on one side of the fence or the other" means to make a decisive choice or take a clear position on an issue or situation. It implies that one should stop being indecisive or ambiguous and choose a specific side or viewpoint.
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fence something in
The idiom "fence something in" refers to the act of surrounding or enclosing something with a fence or barrier. It can also be used metaphorically to indicate the restriction or confinement of something or someone.
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fence (someone or an animal) out
The idiom "fence (someone or an animal) out" means to construct a physical barrier, such as a fence, in order to prevent someone or an animal from entering a particular area or property. It is used to describe the action of keeping someone or something outside or away from a designated space or location.
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fence someone in
The idiom "fence someone in" means to restrict or confine someone's movements, actions, or choices by creating obstacles or limitations. It implies restricting someone's freedom or making them feel trapped or restricted in a particular situation.
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fence someone or something off (from something)
To "fence someone or something off (from something)" means to physically separate or block someone or something from a specific area or activity, typically by erecting a fence or barrier. This idiomatic phrase is often used to describe actions taken to keep someone or something out or to create a division or boundary between two areas.
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my, her, the other, the same, etc. side of the fence
The idiom "my, her, the other, the same, etc. side of the fence" refers to someone's or something's particular perspective, opinion, or position on a given issue or situation. It suggests that different individuals or groups may have different viewpoints or stances, often opposing each other. The idiom is often used to emphasize that there are multiple sides or perspectives to consider when discussing a topic.
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straddle the fence
The idiom "straddle the fence" means to be indecisive or neutral, unable or unwilling to choose between two options or take a clear stance on a particular issue. It suggests a person who tries to remain balanced and avoid committing to a specific side, often resulting in a lack of action or ineffective decision-making.
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on the fence, be
The phrase "on the fence" is an idiomatic expression that refers to being undecided or uncertain about a particular issue or decision. It implies that someone has not taken a side or made a commitment, and they remain neutral or hesitant.
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come off the fence
The idiom "come off the fence" means to make a decision or take a clear stance on a particular issue or situation. It implies that the person was originally undecided or neutral, but is now choosing a side or expressing an opinion.
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fence an animal in
The idiom "fence an animal in" means to confine or restrict someone or something, often in a narrow or limited space, similar to how animals are enclosed within a fence. It suggests limiting their freedom or preventing them from exploring beyond a designated area.
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on the other side of the fence
The idiom "on the other side of the fence" refers to the perspective or situation of someone who holds a different opinion, belief, or experience from someone else. It implies a contrast or opposition between two opposing viewpoints or positions.
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sit on the fence
The idiom "sit on the fence" means to remain neutral or undecided in a situation by not choosing a side or taking a position on an issue. It refers to someone who avoids making a clear choice or expressing a strong opinion, often to avoid conflict or controversy.
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the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)
The idiom "the grass is always greener on the other side (of the fence)" means that people tend to believe others' situations or circumstances are better than their own, often leading to a feeling of dissatisfaction with what they have. It signifies a tendency to idealize what is unknown or different, while undervaluing or underappreciating what is familiar or familiar.
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fence (sm or an animal) out
The idiom "fence (someone or an animal) out" refers to the act of erecting a physical barrier, usually a fence, to prevent someone or an animal from entering a specific area. It implies creating a boundary or enclosure to keep someone or something away or separated. It can also be used figuratively to denote creating a barrier or obstacle to keep out unwanted influences or individuals.
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*on the fence (about something)
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make a Virginia fence
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fence hanger
Similar spelling words for FENCE
- hence,
- fences,
- fines,
- fancy,
- furnace,
- defence,
- face,
- fine,
- fenech,
- offence,
- france,
- Pence,
- fierce,
- -ence,
- fennessy,
- fewness,
- fancier,
- fennic,
- fenced,
- fenske,
- fencer.
Conjugate verb Fence
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have fenced
you
would have fenced
he/she/it
would have fenced
we
would have fenced
they
would have fenced
I
would have fence
you
would have fence
he/she/it
would have fence
we
would have fence
they
would have fence
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been fencing
you
would have been fencing
he/she/it
would have been fencing
we
would have been fencing
they
would have been fencing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would fence
you
would fence
he/she/it
would fence
we
would fence
they
would fence
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be fencing
you
would be fencing
he/she/it
would be fencing
we
would be fencing
they
would be fencing
FUTURE
I
will fence
you
will fence
he/she/it
will fence
we
will fence
they
will fence
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be fencing
you
will be fencing
he/she/it
will be fencing
we
will be fencing
they
will be fencing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have fenced
you
will have fenced
he/she/it
will have fenced
we
will have fenced
they
will have fenced
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been fencing
you
will have been fencing
he/she/it
will have been fencing
we
will have been fencing
they
will have been fencing
IMPERATIVE
you
fence
we
let´s fence
to fence
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was fencing
you
were fencing
he/she/it
was fencing
we
were fencing
they
were fencing
PAST PARTICIPLE
fenced
PAST PERFECT
I
had fenced
you
had fenced
he/she/it
had fenced
we
had fenced
they
had fenced
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been fencing
you
had been fencing
he/she/it
had been fencing
we
had been fencing
they
had been fencing
PRESENT
I
fence
you
fence
he/she/it
fences
we
fence
they
fence
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am fencing
you
are fencing
he/she/it
is fencing
we
are fencing
they
are fencing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
fencing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have fenced
you
have fenced
he/she/it
has fenced
we
have fenced
they
have fenced
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been fencing
you
have been fencing
he/she/it
has been fencing
we
have been fencing
they
have been fencing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
fence
SIMPLE PAST
I
fenced
you
fenced
he/she/it
fenced
we
fenced
they
fenced
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