hedge
     n 1: a fence formed by a row of closely planted shrubs or bushes
          [syn: {hedgerow}]
     2: any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial
        risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset
        each other if prices change [syn: {hedging}]
     3: an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement; "when
        you say `maybe' you are just hedging" [syn: {hedging}]
     v 1: avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing
          (duties, questions, or issues); "He dodged the issue";
          "she skirted the problem"; "They tend to evade their
          responsibilities"; "he evaded the questions skillfully"
          [syn: {fudge}, {evade}, {put off}, {circumvent}, {parry},
           {elude}, {skirt}, {dodge}, {duck}, {sidestep}]
     2: hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge; "The animals
        were hedged in"
     3: enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges;
        "hedge the property" [syn: {hedge in}]
     4: minimize loss or risk; "diversify your financial portfolio
        to hedge price risks"; "hedge your bets"
Source: WordNet® 2.0