Hedge Definition
hĕj
hedged, hedges, hedging
noun
hedges
A row of closely planted shrubs, bushes, or trees forming a boundary or fence.
Webster's New World
A line of people or objects forming a barrier.
A hedge of spectators along the sidewalk.
American Heritage
Anything serving as a fence or barrier; restriction or defense.
Webster's New World
A means of protection or defense, especially against financial loss.
A hedge against inflation.
American Heritage
The act or an instance of hedging.
Webster's New World
verb
hedged, hedges, hedging
To hide or protect oneself, as if behind a hedge.
Webster's New World
To place a hedge around or along; border or bound with a hedge.
Webster's New World
To hinder or guard as by surrounding with a barrier.
Webster's New World
To hide behind words; refuse to commit oneself or give a direct answer.
Webster's New World
To try to avoid or lessen loss in connection with (a bet, risk, etc.) by making counterbalancing bets, investments, etc.
Webster's New World
Synonyms:
adjective
Of, in, or near a hedge.
Webster's New World
Low, disreputable, irregular, etc.
Webster's New World
Origin of Hedge
-
From Middle English hegge, from Old English hecg, from Proto-Germanic *hagjō (compare Dutch heg, German Hecke), from Proto-Indo-European *kagʰyo-. More at haw.
From Wiktionary
Middle English from Old English hecg
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
Related Articles
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to hedge using the buttons below.