Hedge

/hɛdʒ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

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

The garden was enclosed by a tall hedge that provided privacy.

A means of protection or defense against financial loss or risk.

Investors often use options as a hedge against potential market downturns.

verb

To limit or qualify something by conditions or exceptions; to avoid making a definite decision or statement.

The politician hedged his statements during the debate to avoid controversy.

To protect oneself against financial loss by taking compensatory measures.

The company decided to hedge its bets by investing in multiple projects.

Old English 'hǣc' meaning 'a boundary, fence'.

hedge one's bets

To reduce one's risk by supporting more than one outcome or option.

hedge against

To protect oneself from the potential negative effects of something.

hedger

A person who makes investments to mitigate risk.

hedging

The act of making an investment to reduce potential losses.

To be non-committal or ambiguous.

He hedged his statements about the plan.

To be cautious or protective in decision-making.

She's always hedging her opinions to avoid conflict.