Hedge: meaning, definitions and examples

Can also mean to avoid giving a direct answer or committing to a decision.

• The politician hedged when asked about his stance on the controversial issue
• She hedged her response, not wanting to offend anyone

Refers to a system of protection against financial loss or harm, typically in the context of health, life, property, or travel.

• He bought health insurance to cover potential hospital bills
• Travel insurance is crucial to protect against unforeseen trip cancellations

Used in general contexts to denote safety measures against harm, injury, or danger.

• The helmet provides protection against head injuries
• She installed antivirus software for protection against malware

Refers to measures or actions taken to protect someone or something, often used in formal or serious contexts.

• The new law serves as a safeguard against unethical business practices
• They created a backup plan as a safeguard in case the primary plan fails

Often used in gardening or landscaping to describe a row of bushes or small trees planted close together, generally to form a boundary or screen. It can also mean a means of protection or defense, often used metaphorically in financial contexts.

• They planted a hedge around their garden to keep the deer out.
• The investor used options as a hedge against stock market volatility.

Refers to the dividing line or limit of an area, often used to define geographical or personal limits. It can be used in a more abstract sense to describe boundaries in relationships or personal limits.

• The fence marks the boundary between the two properties.
• Setting personal boundaries at work is important for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Typically refers to a structure serving as an enclosure, barrier, or boundary, usually made of wood, metal, or wire. It is often used to keep animals in or out, or to provide privacy.

• They built a wooden fence around their backyard for more privacy.
• The farmer installed a new fence to keep the cattle from wandering off.

Used to describe a physical or metaphorical obstruction that prevents movement or access. It can be something that blocks progress or achievement.

• A barrier was put up to keep people from entering the construction site.
• Language differences can be a significant barrier to communication.

Typically used in financial contexts to describe a strategy that reduces risk of adverse price movements in an asset. It can also refer to creating a boundary or limit by using plants.

• Investors hedge by purchasing options or other financial instruments.
• They decided to hedge their garden with a row of bushes.

Generally used to describe actions taken to keep someone or something safe from harm or injury. It has a neutral to positive connotation.

• Parents often protect their children from danger.
• We need to protect our environment from pollution.

Frequently used in a formal or official context to describe measures taken to protect or secure someone or something. It can imply a structured or preventive approach.

• The company implemented new policies to safeguard customer data.
• They installed a fence to safeguard their property from intruders.

Often used in situations where someone is avoiding something deliberately, usually in a dishonest or sneaky manner. It can have a negative connotation.

• He tried to evade the police by hiding in an alley.
• She evaded the question by changing the topic.