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Fencing: meaning, definitions and examples

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fencing

 

[ ˈfɛnsɪŋ ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

sport activity

Fencing is a competitive sport that involves sword fighting with specially designed swords, such as foil, épée, or sabre. Participants score points by making contact with their opponent's body while following specific rules and guidelines. This sport requires agility, speed, and strategy, as athletes must anticipate their opponent's moves and react accordingly. Fencing is recognized for its high level of skill and has been part of the modern Olympic Games since their inception in 1896.

Synonyms

combat sport, dueling, swordsmanship

Examples of usage

  • She has been practicing fencing for years.
  • The fencing match was intense and thrilling.
  • Fencing requires a combination of physical and mental strength.
  • He won a gold medal in fencing at the Olympics.
Context #2 | Verb

create enclosure

To fence means to enclose an area with a barrier or structure, typically using wood, metal, or wire. This process is commonly used to protect property, livestock, or gardens from intruders or to mark boundaries. Fencing can also refer to the act of competing in the sport of fencing. Proper techniques and materials are essential for creating effective fencing.

Synonyms

barrier, enclose, surround

Examples of usage

  • They decided to fence their backyard for privacy.
  • He learned how to fence with wooden posts.
  • Fencing is not just a sport; it's also about creating safe spaces.
  • The farmer needed to fence off the fields from the animals.

Translations

Translations of the word "fencing" in other languages:

🇵🇹 esgrima

🇮🇳 तलवारबाज़ी

🇩🇪 Fechten

🇮🇩 pedang

🇺🇦 фехтування

🇵🇱 szermierka

🇯🇵 フェンシング

🇫🇷 escrime

🇪🇸 esgrima

🇹🇷 eskrim

🇰🇷 펜싱

🇸🇦 المبارزة

🇨🇿 šerm

🇸🇰 šerm

🇨🇳 击剑

🇸🇮 mečevanje

🇮🇸 sverðfimi

🇰🇿 фехтование

🇬🇪 ფეხბურთი

🇦🇿 sılahda döyüş

🇲🇽 esgrima

Etymology

The word 'fencing' originates from the Old French term 'fens', which means 'to defend' or 'to protect'. This term evolved into the Middle English 'fencen', later becoming 'fence' in modern English. The significance of the word shifted from its original meaning of defense to referring specifically to the practice of sword fighting, where skillful movements are employed for both offense and defense. Over the centuries, fencing has developed into a formalized competitive sport with distinct styles and techniques, reflected in its various disciplines such as foil, épée, and sabre. The sport has deep historical roots, tracing back to ancient civilizations where sword fighting was essential for warfare and self-defense, eventually transitioning into a popular form of sport in Europe by the late Middle Ages.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,956, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.