hedge

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

see all synonyms and antonyms

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