spite fence
Neighborly revenge structure
A spite fence is a fence built not for practical purpose but to annoy a neighbor—typically by blocking their view, light, or access.
The structure embodies pure malice in architectural form: He put up a twenty-foot spite fence after the property line dispute.
Some jurisdictions have laws limiting fence height specifically to prevent such constructions.
- neighbor disputeConflict between nearby residents
- rancorLasting bitter resentment
- animosityActive, bitter hostility
- passive-aggressionCovert expression of anger
- hostilityAntagonistic disposition toward others
next door neighbor · community standards · legal action · vindictiveness · passive aggressive · encroachment · barrier · stubbornness · pettiness · easement · obstruction · malice · Robert Frost · hedge · retaliation · wall · partition · adverse possession
- nuisancespest, ants, bugs, flies, roaches
- property boundariesboundary, boundary lines, boundary line, property line, lot line
spite fenceprivacy fence
Tall yard enclosure
security fence · garden fence · protective barrier · livestock fence · pool fence
spite fenceolive branch
Symbol of reconciliation
peace offering · welcome mat · shared driveway · block party · neighborhood watch
spite, fence, spites, spited, spiting, spiteful, spitefully, spitefulness, fences