hedge definition

1. a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
2. any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change
3. an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement
• examples: when you say `maybe' you are just hedging
4. avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
• examples: He dodged the issue
• examples: she skirted the problem
• examples: They tend to evade their responsibilities
• examples: he evaded the questions skillfully
5. hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge
• examples: The animals were hedged in
6. enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges
• examples: hedge the property
7. minimize loss or risk
• examples: diversify your financial portfolio to hedge price risks
• examples: hedge your bets