Definition of fencing

The word "fencing" has its roots in the 14th century, derived from the Old French word "fence", which means "to defend" or "to protect". In medieval times, fencing referred to the act of defending oneself with a sword or other weapon. Over time, the term evolved to specifically refer to the sport of sword fighting, with contestants using foils, epees, and sabers to score points. The word's semantic shift from a general term for self-defense to a specific term for the sport of fencing may have been influenced by the rise of dueling as a popular form of entertainment in the 16th and 17th centuries. Today, the word "fencing" is recognized globally as a competitive sport, with athletes competing in various styles and disciplines at the Olympic Games and other international competitions.