fencing
UK[ˈfɛnsɪŋ]US[ˈfɛnsɪŋ]
n
The sport of fighting with long thin swords (foils, épées, or sabres) according to a set of rules.
n
Materials such as wire, wood, or metal posts used to make a fence or fences.
n
The action or practice of erecting or maintaining fences.
Morpheme Breakdown
fenc
ing
fenc
to ward off
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
The word 'fencing' has a dual modern meaning that directly stems from its core defensive root. It derives from the verb 'fence', itself a shortening of 'defence', which entered English from Old French and ultimately Latin 'defendere' (to strike away, ward off). The sporting sense, originating in the late 16th century, logically applies this idea of warding off blows through the skilled use of a sword. Simultaneously, the material and activity sense developed from the practice of erecting barriers ('fences') for defence or enclosure, completing the word's conceptual journey from the abstract act of protection to its specific modern implementations.
Analysis
Structure: fenc (to ward off) + ing (noun suffix)
- 'fenc': A shortened form of 'defence', originating from Old French 'defens', from Latin 'defensus' (past participle of 'defendere', meaning to ward off, protect).
- 'ing': A suffix of Germanic (Old English) origin used to form nouns from verbs, indicating an action, practice, or material related to that action.
Examples
She won a gold medal in fencing at the Olympic Games.
The farmer repaired the wire fencing around the pasture.
His property's fencing consists of a tall wooden privacy fence.