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fence
The word evokes a sense of boundary and separation, whether physical or psychological. When used as a barrier, it suggests a desire for privacy, security, or containment, creating a clear line between what is inside and what is outside.
In the context of crime, the term shifts to represent a hidden bridge between the illicit act of theft and the legitimate market. It implies a specialized, clandestine role in the underworld where the fence acts as a filter, laundering stolen assets into cash.
Countable when referring to the physical structure surrounding a yard. Uncountable when referring to the fencing material itself, such as wire or wood.
Meanings
A barrier made of posts and rails used to enclose an area.
The garden is surrounded by a wooden fence.
A person who buys and sells stolen goods.
The thief sold the jewelry to a local fence.
Examples
The garden is surrounded by a wooden fence.
The thief sold the jewelry to a local fence.
They decided to fence the backyard to keep the dog inside.
He has been fencing since he was ten years old.
Phrasal Verbs
fence in
to enclose an area with a barrier to prevent entry or escape
The farmers had to fence in the cattle to keep them from wandering into the road.
fence off
to separate a specific area from the rest of a space using a fence
The city decided to fence off the construction site for public safety.