Wedged Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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wedged

[wɛdʒt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

stuck tightly

Wedged describes an object that is firmly inserted or packed into a tight space, making it difficult to remove. This term is often used to depict items that are jammed between two surfaces or objects.

Synonyms

compressed, inserted, jammed, packed.

Examples of usage

  • The book was wedged between the sofa and the wall.
  • He found his finger wedged in the door.
  • The car was wedged in the narrow alley.
  • She managed to get the bottle wedged upright in the cooler.
Context #2 | Verb

position securely

To wedge means to force an object into a narrow space, making it secure or unable to move. It can also imply the act of using a wedge to hold something in place.

Synonyms

clamp, fasten, hold, secure.

Examples of usage

  • He wedged the door shut with a chair.
  • They wedged a piece of wood under the table leg.
  • The impact wedged the debris tightly against the wall.
  • She wedged herself into the crowded bus.

Translations

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Origin of 'wedged'

The term 'wedged' has roots in the Old English word 'weddian', which means to arrange or to place securely. In Middle English, it evolved into the term 'wedgen', referring to the act of inserting something into a tight space. The word is derived from 'wedge', which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic word 'wadja', meaning object or piece. Historically, wedges have been used since ancient times as simple tools for holding or fastening, and the terminology reflects this utility. Over time, both the noun and verb forms have been ingrained in English vocabulary, fully integrating into idiomatic expressions like 'wedged in a corner'. The term encapsulates both physical and metaphorical contexts, illustrating instances where items or concepts are tightly held or trapped.


Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,667, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.