hedge
UK[hɛdʒ]US[hɛdʒ]
n
A row of bushes or small trees planted close together, especially to form a boundary or mark a division of land.
n
A means of protection or defense against financial loss or other risk.
v
To avoid giving a direct answer or commitment.
v
To limit or qualify a statement or promise by imposing conditions.
v
To enclose or bound with a hedge.
Etymology
The word 'hedge' originates from the Old English 'hecg', which referred to a fence or boundary formed by a dense row of bushes or shrubs. This term is related to the Old English 'haga', meaning 'enclosure', and shares a Proto-Germanic root with words like the Dutch 'heg' and German 'Hecke'. The core concept has always been that of a physical barrier or boundary. Over time, the meaning extended metaphorically: from a physical barrier, it came to signify any protective measure against risk (financial hedging) and, as a verb, the act of limiting one's position or avoiding a direct commitment, much like a hedge confines an area.
Analysis
The word 'hedge' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It cannot be meaningfully segmented into smaller, independent morphemes within its modern English spelling.
Examples
The garden was surrounded by a tall, thick hedge.
Buying gold can be a hedge against inflation.
The politician hedged when asked about his future plans.