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   hedge

   /hɛdʒ/

   noun

   • 1. a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs: "a privet hedge" Similar hedgerowrow of bushesfencewindbreakbarrierbarricadeboundaryquickset
   • 2. a way of protecting oneself against financial loss or other adverse circumstances: "index-linked gilts are a useful hedge against inflation" Similar safeguardprotectionshieldscreenguardbuffercushioncoverinsurancesecurityprovisioninsurance cover
   • 3. a word or phrase used to avoid overprecise commitment, for example etc., often, or sometimes. Similar equivocationevasionfudgequibblequalificationqualifying expressiontemporizinguncertaintyprevaricationvaguenessOpposite absolutecertainty

   verb

   • 1. surround with a hedge: "a garden hedged with yew" Similar surroundencloseencirclecircleringborderedgeboundliterary:girdgirdleengird
   • ▪ enclose something: "the cathedral is closely hedged in by other buildings"
   • 2. limit or qualify (something) by conditions or exceptions: "they hedged their story about with provisos" Similar confinerestrictlimithinderobstructimpedeconstraintraphem inshut inclosekeep within bounds
   • ▪ avoid making a definite statement or commitment: "he hedged at every new question"
   • 3. protect oneself against loss on (a bet or investment) by making balancing or compensating transactions: "the company hedged its investment position on the futures market" Similar safeguardprotectshieldguardcushioncoverinsuretake out insurancetake out insurance coverOpposite expose to risk

   Word Origin Old Englishhegg, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch heg and German Hecke.

   Derivatives

   • 1. hedger noun

   Scrabble Points: 10

   • H

     4

   • E

     1

   • D

     2

   • G

     2

   • E

     1

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