Definition

1. Verb:
   • To surround or enclose an area with a fence or barrier: The primary meaning is to put a fence around something to mark a boundary, contain something, or provide protection.
   • To restrict or confine someone or something, often figuratively: It can also mean to limit freedom or movement, creating a sense of being trapped or restricted.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Literal): We need to fence in the garden to keep the deer out. The farmer fenced in the new pasture for the sheep.

• Verb (Figurative): His overprotective parents fenced him in with too many rules. I feel fenced in by this job and need more creative freedom.

Advanced Usage

• "to feel fenced in": to feel restricted, confined, or trapped by circumstances.

Variants and Related Words

• Fence (v/n): The base word. As a verb, it means to put up a fence or to fight with swords (a different meaning). As a noun, it is the barrier itself.
• Enclose (v): To surround or close off on all sides. This is a close synonym for the literal meaning.
• Confine (v): To keep within limits; to restrict. This is a close synonym for the figurative meaning.

Synonyms

• Encircle: To form a circle around.
• Hem in: To surround and restrict.
• Corral: To gather and confine (often used for animals).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Fence off: To separate an area by putting a fence around it. This emphasizes separation rather than just enclosure.

Related Idioms

• No idiom uses the exact phrase "fence in." However, the feeling it describes is similar to idioms like: "Box someone in": to put someone in a situation where they have very few choices. "Tie someone's hands": to restrict someone's freedom to act.

Verb

1. surround with a wall in order to fortify
2. enclose with a fence
   • we fenced in our yard