Antonyms for fence in


Grammar : Verb
Spell : fens
Phonetic Transcription : fɛns


Definition of fence in

Origin :
  • early 14c., "action of defending," shortening of defens (see defense). Spelling alternated between -c- and -s- in Middle English. Sense of "enclosure" is first recorded mid-15c. on notion of "that which serves as a defense." Sense of "dealer in stolen goods" is thieves' slang, first attested c.1700, from notion of such transactions taking place under defense of secrecy. To be figuratively on the fence "uncommitted" is from 1828, perhaps from the notion of spectators at a fight, or a simple literal image: "A man sitting on the top of a fence, can jump down on either side with equal facility." [Bartlett, "Dictionary of Americanisms," 1848].
  • As in imprison : verb confine; put in jail
  • As in pen : verb enclose
  • As in surround : verb enclose, encircle something
  • As in cage : verb hold in enclosure
  • As in coop : verb confine
  • As in corral : verb enclose
  • As in define : verb delimit, outline
  • As in impound : verb confine

Synonyms for fence in

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019