BharatNotes Fencing
noun (also the present participle of the verb "fence")Usage in a UPSC answer
When pressed on the question of fiscal devolution, the minister resorted to deft verbal fencing, parrying every query without conceding a single figure, thereby exposing the executive's reluctance to subject its accounts to genuine legislative scrutiny.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
fence (n/v), fenced (adj), fencer (n), defence (n)
Root
Middle English fens, shortening of defens = defence; de- = away + Latin fendere = to strike
Etymology
From Middle English fens, a shortening of defens ("defence"); border fencing as a security measure became widespread in the 20th century.
Memory Hook
A "fence" both DEFENDS your boundary and is what swordsmen do to defend themselves — the same Latin root "defendere" (to ward off) underlies the barrier, the sword-sport, and the evasive "fencing" of a tricky question.
Seen in UPSC Question Papers
- Prelims 2020 — Internal Security
Real UPSC previous-year questions whose text uses “Fencing” — proof this word earns its place on your list.
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