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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Fence Definition: Barrier & Sport Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：a garden barrier (fence)

fence 🔊

/fɛns/

A barrier around a garden or field, made of wood or metal, that separates areas or keeps things in or out.

White wooden fence in garden marking boundary

a garden barrier 🔊

➕

/ə ˈɡɑːrdən ˈbæriər/

A structure made of wood, metal, or wire that marks a boundary or prevents movement into or out of an area.

📁 Category：Objects & Materials 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Shortened from 'defence', Latin 'defensa', meaning a protective barrier.

💡 Mnemonic

A fence defends your land, just like 'defence' is hidden in its name.

📖 Example

We painted the wooden fence around our backyard white to make it look brighter. 🔊 We painted the wooden fence around our backyard white to make it look brighter.

🔗 Collocations

chain-link fence – A fence made of interlocking metal wires forming a diamond pattern

wooden fence – A fence constructed from timber boards or posts

fence post – An upright support for a fence section

🔄 Synonyms

barrier (n.) – A general object that blocks passage

enclosure (n.) – An area surrounded by a barrier

boundary (n.) – The line that marks the limits of an area

🚫 Antonyms

opening (n.) – A gap or passage through a barrier

gate (n.) – A movable barrier that allows entry or exit

🌱 Derivatives

fencing (n.) – The material or the sport of using a fence (but distinct meaning)

fenceless (adj.) – Without a fence

fence-sitter (n.) – Someone who avoids taking a side in a debate

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'fence' originated in the 14th century as a shortening of 'defence'. In modern culture, the phrase 'on the fence' (undecided) is a common metaphor from sitting on a fence without choosing a side.

Meaning 2：the sport of sword fighting (fence)

fence 🔊

/fɛns/

The sport of fighting with thin swords, or the sword used in this sport.

Two fencers in action on competition piste

the sport of sword fighting 🔊

➕

/ðə spɔːrt əv sɔːrd ˈfaɪtɪŋ/

A competitive sport where two participants use light swords (foil, epee, or saber) to score points by touching the opponent's target area, requiring speed, skill, and strategy.

📁 Category：Entertainment & Sports 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

She won a gold medal in fence at the Olympics, moving with incredible speed and precision. 🔊 She won a gold medal in fencing at the Olympics, moving with incredible speed and precision.

🔗 Collocations

fencing mask – Protective headgear worn during fencing

fencing foil – A light, flexible sword used in fencing

fencing competition – An event where fencers compete

🔄 Synonyms

swordplay (n.) – The action or skill of using a sword

dueling (n.) – Fighting with swords in a formal contest

combat sport (n.) – A sport involving one-on-one combat

🌱 Derivatives

fencer (n.) – A person who participates in fencing

fencing (n.) – The sport itself