1 B1 neutral
To surround or separate a piece of land or an area with a fence to restrict access.
"The construction company fenced off the site to keep the public away from the machinery."
separable
fence off
B1 neutral separable transitive
To enclose or separate an area using a fence or similar barrier.
In plain English
To put a fence around a piece of land so people or animals can't get in or out.
What does "fence off" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
To create a separate section within a larger area using a fence or barrier.
"They fenced off a corner of the yard for the chickens."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic formal
(Figurative) To keep something separate or protected from outside influence or interference.
"The government tried to fence off certain policy areas from public debate."
separable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To push something away using a fence.
Actually means
To put a fence around a piece of land so people or animals can't get in or out.
Usage tip
Used in both literal (physical fencing) and figurative (keeping something separate/protected) contexts. Common in British and American English alike. Often used in passive constructions: 'the area was fenced off'.
Words that pair with "fence off"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
area land field section property garden
How to conjugate "fence off"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
fence off
I/you/we/they
3rd person
fences off
he/she/it
Past simple
fenced off
yesterday
Past participle
fenced off
have + pp
-ing form
fencing off
continuous
Hear "fence off" in the wild
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Keep exploring
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