fence

A barrier around land, often made of wood or wire, that keeps people or animals in or out.

• The dog jumped over the fence.
• We built a fence around our garden.
• Who painted these fences blue?

Similar words: barrier

Common phrases: wooden fence, garden fence, fence around something

A person who buys stolen things and sells them to other people.

• The thief knew a fence.
• They sold the stolen watches to a fence.
• Police arrested two fences who were buying stolen phones.

Similar words: stolen goods dealer

Common phrases: sell to a fence, a local fence

To put a wooden or wire barrier around an area of land.

• They fenced the field.
• We need to fence this land before buying sheep.
• The dangerous area has been fenced off.

How to use it: fence something off (They fenced off the building site.); fence something in (We fenced the garden in to keep the dog safe.)

Similar words: enclose

Common phrases: fence a field, fence something off, fence something in, fence an area

To fight with light swords as a sport, wearing protective clothing.

• My brother likes to fence.
• She fenced for her school last year.
• Have you ever fenced against him?

How to use it: fence against someone (She fenced against the national champion.)

Common phrases: fence against someone, learn to fence

To sell stolen things to someone who trades in them.

• He fenced the stolen watch.
• They tried to fence the jewellery that night.
• She was arrested for fencing stolen laptops.

Common phrases: fence stolen goods, fence stolen jewellery