hedge
hedge / hej/ • n. a fence or boundary formed by closely growing bushes or shrubs: she was standing barefoot in a corner of the lawn, trimming the hedge. ∎ a contract entered into or asset held as a protection against possible financial loss: inflation hedges such as real estate and gold. ∎ a word or phrase used to allow for additional possibilities or to avoid overprecise commitment, for example, etc., often, usually, or sometimes.• v. [tr.] 1. (often be hedged) surround or bound with a hedge: a garden hedged with yews. ∎ (hedge something in) enclose.2. limit or qualify (something) by conditions or exceptions: experts usually hedge their predictions, just in case. ∎ [intr.] avoid making a definite decision, statement, or commitment: she hedged around the one question she wanted to ask.3. protect (one's investment or an investor) against loss by making balancing or compensating contracts or transactions: the company hedged its investment position on the futures market.PHRASES: hedge one's bets avoid committing oneself when faced with a difficult choice.DERIVATIVES: hedg·er n.