hedge

¹hedge

noun \ˈhej\

Definition of HEDGE

1

a : a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of shrubs or low trees

b : barrier, limit

2

: a means of protection or defense (as against financial loss)

3

: a calculatedly noncommittal or evasive statement

Examples of HEDGE

1. <the messenger was confronted with a hedge of spears held aloft by the castle guards>

Origin of HEDGE

Middle English hegge, from Old English hecg; akin to Old English haga hedge, hawthorn

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to HEDGE

Synonyms

barricade, fence, barrier, wall

Related Words

bar, pale, paling; block, chain, clog, crimp, deterrent, drag, embarrassment, encumbrance, handicap, hindrance, hurdle, impediment, inhibition, interference, let, obstacle, obstruction, roadblock, stop, stumbling block, trammel; fetter, hobble, manacle, shackle(s); constraint, curb, restraint, snag; buffer, bulwark, bumper, cushion, dam, fender, pad, rampart

Near Antonyms

door, doorway, entrance, entranceway, entry, entryway, gate, portal; break, gap, pass

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall

Rhymes with HEDGE

dredge, edge, fledge, kedge, ledge, pledge, sedge, sledge, veg, wedge

²hedge

verb

hedgedhedg·ing

Definition of HEDGE

transitive verb

1

: to enclose or protect with or as if with a hedge : encircle

2

: to hem in or obstruct with or as if with a barrier : hinder <hedged about by special regulations and statutes — Sandi Rosenbloom>

3

: to protect oneself from losing or failing by a counterbalancing action <hedge a bet>

intransitive verb

1

: to plant, form, or trim a hedge

2

: to evade the risk of commitment especially by leaving open a way of retreat : trim

3

: to protect oneself financially: as

a : to buy or sell commodity futures as a protection against loss due to price fluctuation

b : to minimize the risk of a bet

— hedg·er noun

— hedg·ing·ly \ˈhe-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of HEDGE

1. The garden is hedged by flowering shrubs.
2. She hedged when she was asked to support the campaign.
3. He hedged his earlier comments about the need for new management.

First Known Use of HEDGE

14th century

Related to HEDGE

Synonyms

fudge, equivocate, pussyfoot, tergiversate, waffle, weasel

Related Words

flip-flop, yo-yo; dodge, duck, elude, eschew, evade, shake, shirk, shun, sidestep, skirt; bypass, circumvent; cavil, quibble; straddle

³hedge

adjective

Definition of HEDGE

1

: of, relating to, or designed for a hedge

2

: born, living, or made near or as if near hedges : roadside

3

: inferior 3

First Known Use of HEDGE

14th century

Other Agriculture/Gardening Terms

fallow, graft, heirloom, loam, potash, soilage, swath, tilth, windfall