Kedge: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in nautical terms to describe a small anchor used to reposition or maneuver a ship in specific circumstances like calm waters or tight spaces.

• The captain decided to kedge the ship closer to the shore.
• We used a kedge to turn the boat around.

Commonly used to describe a device that holds a ship in place. It also can mean anything that provides stability or confidence in a general sense.

• We dropped the anchor and stayed for the night.
• Her family is her anchor in difficult times.

A smaller type of anchor with multiple hooks, often used for securing or retrieving objects. Commonly used in rescue operations or small boats.

• The diver used a grapnel to retrieve the lost equipment.
• He threw the grapnel onto the deck to secure the dinghy.

Kedge is a nautical term specifically used for moving a ship by means of an anchor. This technique is often employed in situations where a ship needs to navigate through tight or shallow waters.

• The captain ordered the crew to kedge the ship away from the sandbank.
• They decided to kedge the boat closer to the shore.

Warp is another nautical term that relates to moving a ship by using a rope and anchor, much like kedge. However, warp can also describe something becoming distorted or twisted, depending on the context.

• They warped the ship into the dock.
• The wood started to warp due to the intense heat.

Drag can refer to pulling something along a surface with effort. It's commonly used in everyday conversations and can also have a slightly negative connotation, suggesting difficulty or resistance.

• She had to drag the heavy suitcase up the stairs.
• The broken car was dragging along the road.