Fence vs. Defence — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 17, 2024
Fence refers to a physical barrier or enclosure, while defence pertains to protection or resistance against attack or harm.
Difference Between Fence and Defence
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fence refers to a physical structure that encloses an area, providing a boundary and security. It can be made from various materials like wood, metal, or stone, and serves to keep things in or out, offering privacy and protection. Defence, on the other hand, is a broader term that encompasses the act of protecting or defending against attack, harm, or danger. It can be physical, such as fortifications or military actions, or abstract, such as legal arguments or strategies.
A fence represents a specific, concrete form of defence, acting as a barrier. In contrast, defence involves a wide array of actions and strategies to safeguard against threats. While a fence is static and specific, defence is dynamic and can include physical, strategic, and psychological elements.
In construction, a fence is erected to mark property lines or keep animals within a designated area. Defence mechanisms, however, can range from physical barriers to cybersecurity measures, legal defenses, and military strategies. This distinction underscores the specific, tangible nature of a fence versus the broad, multi-faceted concept of defence.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Physical barrier or enclosure
Protection against attack or harm
Nature
Tangible and visible
Broad and multifaceted
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Primary Use
Marking boundaries, providing security
Ensuring safety, preventing harm
Contexts
Residential, agricultural, industrial
Military, legal, strategic, cybersecurity
Examples
Wooden fence, metal fence, stone wall
Fortifications, legal arguments, military actions
Compare with Definitions
Fence
A barrier used for privacy and security.
The tall fence kept the deer out of the yard.
Defence
Military actions to protect a nation.
The troops were deployed in defence of the country.
Fence
An enclosure for containing animals.
The farmers built a fence to keep the livestock in.
Defence
Measures to safeguard against threats.
Cybersecurity systems are essential for defence against hackers.
Fence
A decorative or protective barrier.
The ornate fence added charm to the front yard.
Defence
The act of protecting against attack or harm.
The castle's walls provided strong defence against invaders.
Fence
A fence is a structure that encloses an area, typically outdoors, and is usually constructed from posts that are connected by boards, wire, rails or netting. A fence differs from a wall in not having a solid foundation along its whole length.Alternatives to fencing include a ditch (sometimes filled with water, forming a moat).
Defence
Strategies to prevent harm or danger.
The team focused on their defence to win the game.
Fence
A structure serving as an enclosure, a barrier, or a boundary, usually made of posts or stakes joined together by boards, wire, or rails.
Defence
Legal arguments in response to accusations.
The lawyer presented a solid defence for her client.
Fence
An adjustable guide with a flat edge used on a table saw and positioned parallel to the plane of the cutting attachment in order to keep the board properly positioned for the cut to be made at the correct distance from the board's edge.
Defence
Variant of defense.
Fence
One who receives and sells stolen goods.
Defence
The action of defending, of protecting from attack, danger or injury.
Fence
A place where stolen goods are received and sold.
Defence
Something used to oppose attacks.
Fence
(Archaic) A means of defense; a protection.
Defence
An argument in support or justification of something.
Fence
To surround or enclose with a fence or other barrier.
Defence
A strategy and tactics employed to prevent the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
Fence
To separate or keep out by means of a fence or other barrier
Fenced off one field from another.
Fenced out the deer from the garden.
Defence
The portion of a team dedicated to preventing the other team from scoring; contrasted with offence.
Fence
To sell (stolen goods) to a fence.
Defence
Government policy or (infra)structure related to the military.
Department of Defence
Fence
To ward off; keep away.
Defence
(obsolete) Prohibition; a prohibitory ordinance.
Fence
To defend.
Defence
To furnish with defences; to fortify.
Fence
To practice the art or sport of fencing.
Defence
See Defense.
Fence
To avoid giving direct answers; hedge.
Defence
(psychiatry) an unconscious process that tries to reduce the anxiety associated with instinctive desires
Fence
To act as a conduit for stolen goods.
Defence
(sports) the team that is trying to prevent the other team from scoring;
His teams are always good on defense
Fence
A thin artificial barrier that separates two pieces of land or forms a perimeter enclosing the lands of a house, building, etc.
Defence
The defendant and his legal advisors collectively;
The defense called for a mistrial
Fence
(informal) Someone who hides or buys and sells stolen goods, a criminal middleman for transactions of stolen goods.
Defence
An organization of defenders that provides resistance against attack;
He joined the defense against invasion
Fence
(by extension) The place whence such a middleman operates.
Defence
The speech act of answering an attack on your assertions;
His refutation of the charges was short and persuasive
In defense he said the other man started it
Fence
Skill in oral debate.
Defence
The justification for some act or belief;
He offered a persuasive defense of the theory
Fence
The art or practice of fencing.
Defence
A structure used for defense;
The artillery battered down the defenses
Fence
A guard or guide on machinery.
Defence
A defendant's answer or plea denying the truth of the charges against him;
He gave evidence for the defense
Fence
(figuratively) A barrier, for example an emotional barrier.
Defence
Military action or resources protecting a country against potential enemies;
They died in the defense of Stalingrad
They were developed for the defense program
Fence
A memory barrier.
Defence
Protection from harm;
Sanitation is the best defense against disease
Fence
(transitive) To enclose, contain or separate by building fence.
Fence
(transitive) To defend or guard.
Fence
(transitive) To engage in the selling or buying of stolen goods.
Fence
To engage in the sport of fencing.
Fence
To jump over a fence.
Fence
(intransitive) To conceal the truth by giving equivocal answers; to hedge; to be evasive.
Fence
That which fends off attack or danger; a defense; a protection; a cover; security; shield.
Let us be backed with God and with the seas,Which he hath given for fence impregnable.
A fence betwixt us and the victor's wrath.
Fence
An inclosure about a field or other space, or about any object; especially, an inclosing structure of wood, iron, or other material, intended to prevent intrusion from without or straying from within.
Leaps o'er the fence with ease into the fold.
Fence
A projection on the bolt, which passes through the tumbler gates in locking and unlocking.
Fence
Self-defense by the use of the sword; the art and practice of fencing and sword play; hence, skill in debate and repartee. See Fencing.
Enjoy your dear wit, and gay rhetoric,That hath so well been taught her dazzing fence.
Of dauntless courage and consummate skill in fence.
Fence
A receiver of stolen goods, or a place where they are received.
Fence
To fend off danger from; to give security to; to protect; to guard.
To fence my ear against thy sorceries.
Fence
To inclose with a fence or other protection; to secure by an inclosure.
O thou wall! . . . dive in the earth,And fence not Athens.
A sheepcote fenced about with olive trees.
Fence
To make a defense; to guard one's self of anything, as against an attack; to give protection or security, as by a fence.
Vice is the more stubborn as well as the more dangerous evil, and therefore, in the first place, to be fenced against.
Fence
To practice the art of attack and defense with the sword or with the foil, esp. with the smallsword, using the point only.
He will fence with his own shadow.
Fence
Hence, to fight or dispute in the manner of fencers, that is, by thrusting, guarding, parrying, etc.
They fence and push, and, pushing, loudly roar;Their dewlaps and their sides are bat ed in gore.
As when a billow, blown against,Falls back, the voice with which I fencedA little ceased, but recommenced.
Fence
A barrier that serves to enclose an area
Fence
A dealer in stolen property
Fence
Enclose with a fence;
We fenced in our yard
Fence
Receive stolen goods
Fence
Fight with fencing swords
Fence
Surround with a wall in order to fortify
Fence
Have an argument about something
Fence
A structure that encloses an area.
They installed a wooden fence around the garden.
Fence
A physical boundary marker.
The fence separates the two properties.
Common Curiosities
What is a fence?
A fence is a physical barrier or structure used to enclose an area for privacy, security, or boundary marking.
What is defence?
Defence refers to the act of protecting against attack, harm, or danger, involving various methods and strategies.
What are examples of defence in sports?
Defence in sports includes strategies and actions to prevent the opposing team from scoring.
Can defence be related to cybersecurity?
Yes, cybersecurity measures are a form of defence against digital threats.
Is defence always physical?
No, defence can be physical, strategic, legal, or psychological.
Can a fence be considered a form of defence?
Yes, a fence can be considered a specific form of physical defence.
What materials are commonly used for fences?
Common materials for fences include wood, metal, stone, and vinyl.
What is the primary purpose of a fence?
The primary purpose of a fence is to provide security, privacy, and boundary marking.
What are common uses of a fence in agriculture?
In agriculture, fences are used to contain livestock and protect crops from animals.
How does defence apply in a legal context?
In a legal context, defence refers to arguments and strategies used to defend against accusations or charges.
Is a fence permanent?
Fences can be permanent or temporary, depending on their construction and purpose.
Can a fence be decorative?
Yes, fences can be both functional and decorative, adding aesthetic value to a property.
What does military defence entail?
Military defence involves actions and strategies to protect a nation from external threats and attacks.
What are defensive strategies in cybersecurity?
Defensive strategies in cybersecurity include firewalls, encryption, and intrusion detection systems.
Can defence include diplomatic measures?
Yes, defence can include diplomatic measures to prevent conflict and ensure national security.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
