Fencing Terminology

verb past tense of barb, which means to provide with a barb or barbs

adjective having sharp points or edges that can pierce or cut

• The barbed wire fence was installed to keep intruders out.
• Be careful around that barbed wire, it's sharp!
• I got a nasty cut from that barbed fence.
• Her words were like barbed arrows, piercing through his defenses.

noun a person who engages in a duel, especially a formal one

• The duelist displayed exceptional skill with a rapier during the fencing competition.
• I heard that the duelist is undefeated in all the local sword fighting tournaments.
• That duelist is one bad dude with a blade, nobody can touch him!
• In the world of business, he was known as a duelist, always ready to negotiate and come out on top.

noun a deceptive or pretended blow, thrust, or other movement, especially in boxing or fencing

verb make a deceptive or distracting movement, typically during a fight

• The fencer executed a perfect feint to deceive his opponent.
• She used a feint to trick him into thinking she was going left.
• He pulled off a sick feint move during the game.
• Her smile was just a feint to hide her true feelings.

noun A sudden forward thrust or motion

verb To make a sudden forward movement

• The fencer made a swift lunge towards his opponent, aiming for a precise hit.
• I saw a squirrel lunge for the acorn and quickly scurry away.
• The bully tried to lunge at me, but I dodged him just in time.
• Her heart seemed to lunge with excitement as she opened the envelope.

adjective Alert and prepared for danger or difficulty.

preposition In a state of readiness to defend against attack or danger.

• The soldiers stood on guard at the entrance to the palace.
• Make sure you're on guard when walking alone at night.
• I always have my guard up when dealing with strangers.
• She was on guard against any potential criticism during the presentation.

noun a defensive action in fencing or other sports involving the use of a blade or hand to deflect an opponent's attack

verb to ward off or deflect an attack, argument, or criticism

• The skilled fencer was able to parry every attack from his opponent.
• I watched as the two swordsmen tried to parry each other's strikes.
• He tried to parry my joke with a witty comeback.
• She was able to parry all of the difficult questions during the interview.

noun a quick, clever reply or response in conversation or in a duel

• The diplomat delivered a sharp riposte to the accusations made by the foreign minister.
• She always has a quick riposte ready whenever someone teases her.
• He hit back with a savage riposte that left everyone speechless.
• His success in the competition was a riposte to all those who doubted his abilities.

noun a weapon with a long metal blade and a hilt with a handguard, used for thrusting or striking

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• The knight unsheathed his sword before entering the battlefield.
• He always carries a sword with him, just in case.
• I can't believe he brought a sword to a fistfight.
• Words can be as sharp as a sword when used to hurt others.

noun a slender rod or filament of drawn metal

verb to fasten, bind, or connect with wire

• The electrician carefully connected the wires to ensure a secure connection.
• I need to fix the wire that's hanging loose in the backyard.
• Let's ditch this place and hit the wire before anyone notices.
• His emotions were like a tangled wire, difficult to unravel and make sense of.

noun a small cut or notch

verb to make a sharp clicking sound

• The snick of the lock indicated that the door was securely closed.
• I heard a snick coming from the kitchen, so I think someone is in there.
• I love the snick sound my phone makes when I get a notification.
• The snick of the scissors cutting through paper was oddly satisfying.