fence Definition
- 1a barrier enclosing an area, typically made of posts or stakes and wire or wood, used for protection or to prevent escape or entry
- 2a person who buys and sells stolen goods
Using fence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "fence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The farmer built a fence around his property to keep the animals in.
Example
The prisoners escaped by climbing over the fence.
Example
He was caught selling stolen goods to a fence.
Example
The fence offered to buy the stolen jewelry from the thief.
fence Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with fence
mend fences
to repair or restore a damaged relationship
Example
After their argument, they decided to meet and mend fences.
Example
He didn't want to take sides, so he sat on the fence during the debate.
Example
The smugglers jumped the fence to enter the country.
Origins of fence
from Old French 'defens', meaning 'defense'
Summary: fence in Brief
A 'fence' [fens] is a barrier made of posts or stakes and wire or wood, used for protection or to prevent escape or entry. It can also refer to a person who buys and sells stolen goods. The phrase 'mend fences' means to repair a damaged relationship, while 'sit on the fence' means to remain neutral in a dispute. 'Jump the fence' means to illegally cross a boundary.