To fence in is to enclose with a barrier, literally or figuratively.
You fence in livestock to keep them contained: We fenced in the pasture.
Extended uses suggest restriction or confinement: She felt fenced in by her responsibilities.
The opposite, fence out, keeps things from entering rather than leaving.
1. enclose — corral, Fenced livestock enclosure; pen (Ink-filled writing tool); paddock (Small fenced animal enclosure); enclosure (Confined, bordered space); containment · confine · surround · border · perimeter · boundary · barrier · wall · hedgerow · palisade
2. restrict — trap, Device for catching animals; constrain (To limit or restrict); limit (Maximum allowed extent); confine (Restrict to boundaries); imprison · restrain · corner · bind · cramp · stifle · smother · curb · hold back · pin down
Opposites
CONFINEMENT/FREEDOMfence in ≠ release To let go; set free · let out · free · liberate · let loose
ENCLOSURE/EXPOSUREfence in ≠ open up Reveal inner thoughts; clear out · expose · lay open · dismantle
figurative constraintfence in ≠ free up Make accessible again; unshackle · empower · unburden
Categories
enclosing: envelop, surround, wrap, encircle, encase; restrain: hold back, suppress, hold in, keep in, keep down; boundaries: boundary, boundary line, borders, border, edges
Family
fence, defense, defensive, fenced, fencing, fences, defence, fencer, defensibly
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- Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G