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to fence

to fence

17 5.6
To take part in a sport using light swords
  • verb
  • /fɛns/
: esgrimir
  • Tomorrow, we fence!
  • learn to fence
  • fence well
  • continue to fence

I'd wear a, you know what people wear when they're fencing?

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Examples

Idioms

on the fence
  • Informal
31 4.8

Not decided about which side to take or what to do

To decide to do something difficult and not stop

Phrasal Verbs

13 3.0

To surround an area with a barrier to keep others out

6 3.7

Surround an area with a fence to stop people from entering

To make a barrier of wood, metal, or wire around land to keep animals and people out

to fence-sit
  • Informal
1 8.1

Stay neutral and not choose a side in a disagreement

Compounds

15 3.2

An idea of a comfortable, safe family life in a house near a city

9 2.0

A line made by a fence that shows the edge of a field or property

fence-sitter
  • Informal
3 6.8

A person who does not take sides in an argument

fence mending
  • Literature
2 6.2

Improving a damaged relationship between people or groups

1 4.3

A fence made of long wooden rails laid in a zigzag to keep animals in

A wire fence with diamond-shaped holes used to surround yards or sports fields

1 2.8

A long narrow piece of wood that sits across posts to make a barrier

1 4.8

A fence made from split logs stacked horizontally in a zigzag

1 8.5

A low wall made of mud that surrounds and protects an area

1 7.2

A small animal with scaly skin and a long tail that sits on fences or rocks in the US

fence charger
  • Specialized
1 7.1

A machine that sends electricity through a fence to shock animals or people who touch it

eastern fence lizard
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A small active lizard from eastern North America that often sits in the sun on fences or rocks

1 7.2

A low wooden rail barrier that forms a zigzag pattern to mark or enclose land

1 7.5

A low wooden fence made of rails in a zigzag that marks a border

worm fence
  • Archaic
1 9.1

A fence made of wooden rails laid in a zigzag pattern

1 2.0

A row of upright wooden or metal boards with spaces that mark the edge of a yard

western fence lizard
  • Specialized
1 8.1

A common scaly reptile in western North America that basks on rocks and logs

fence energizer
  • Specialized
1 6.8

A machine that sends electricity along a fence so it gives animals a small shock

dadburn fence
  • Archaic
9.9

A fence that causes trouble or annoyance

A small tree grown as a fence with groups of yellow-white flowers

9.9

A ditch with one side formed by a low wall that divides land without blocking the view

A fence that bends down in the middle

A fence made from vertical flat pieces of slate wired together

A wooden fence made of rails laid in a zigzag pattern without posts

Surface Forms

fence infinitive
fenced past
fenced past participle
fencing present participle
fences third person singular

Etymology

Fence meaning 'to fight with swords' is also linked to defend, because the sport is about attacking and 'defending' with a blade. That's why to fence is to practise swordplay where defence is as important as attack.