fence

/fɛns/
verb
  1. To enclose or separate an area with a fence.
    • The property is fenced on all sides for privacy.
    • They decided to fence the garden to keep out rabbits.
    • We need to fence off the construction site for safety.
  2. To engage in the sport of fencing, using swords like foils, epees, or sabers.
    • He fences every weekend to stay in shape and improve his reflexes.
    • She learned to fence at a local club and won several competitions.
    • The two athletes fenced for the gold medal in the Olympics.
  3. To avoid giving a direct answer; to hedge.
    • When asked about his plans, he fenced and changed the subject.
    • The politician fenced during the interview, never committing to a position.
    • Stop fencing and tell me what you really think.
  4. To sell stolen goods.
    • They fenced the loot through a network of shady shops.
    • The thief fenced the stolen watches to a dealer downtown.
    • He was arrested for fencing stolen car parts.
noun
  1. A structure made of wood, metal, or other material that encloses an area, marks a boundary, or prevents movement.
    • We painted the white picket fence in front of the house last summer.
    • The farmer built a wooden fence around the pasture to keep the cows in.
    • A tall metal fence separates the school playground from the street.
  2. A person who buys and sells stolen goods.
    • He acted as a fence for the stolen electronics, taking a cut of the profits.
    • The detective arrested the fence who was selling stolen jewelry.
    • The police raided the warehouse of a known fence in the city.
  3. A barrier or obstacle, often used figuratively.
    • She had to climb over a fence of doubt to start her own business.
    • The team faced a fence of criticism after the loss.
    • There is a fence of bureaucracy that makes it hard to get a permit.
What does "fence" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean