hedge hedge /ˈhɛdʒ/

noun

1. () A fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes  ( hedgerow , hedge )
   a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
    The tall hedge around the garden provides privacy from the neighbors
   The tall hedge around the garden provides privacy from the neighbors
   
   
2. An intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement  ( hedge , hedging )
   an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement
    When you say maybe' you are just hedging
   when you say maybe' you are just hedging
   
3. Any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change  ( hedge , hedging )
   any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change
   

verb

1. () Avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)  ( circumvent , duck [Informal] , elude , dodge , fudge , hedge , parry , put off , skirt , evade , sidestep )
   avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
    He dodged the issue
   He dodged the issue
    She skirted the problem
   she skirted the problem
    They tend to evade their responsibilities
   They tend to evade their responsibilities
    He evaded the questions skillfully
   he evaded the questions skillfully
   
2. Minimize loss or risk  ( hedge )
   minimize loss or risk
    Diversify your financial portfolio to hedge price risks
   diversify your financial portfolio to hedge price risks
    Hedge your bets
   hedge your bets
   
3. Enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges  ( hedge , hedge in )
   enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges
    Hedge the property
   hedge the property
   
4. Hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge  ( hedge )
   hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge
    The animals were hedged in
   The animals were hedged in