hedging

(noun) any technique designed to reduce or eliminate financial risk; for example, taking two positions that will offset each other if prices change. Synonyms: hedge.

(noun) an intentionally noncommittal or ambiguous statement. Synonyms: hedge. Example: "When you say `maybe' you are just hedging."

(verb) avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues). Synonyms: hedge, fudge, evade, put off, circumvent, parry, elude, skirt, dodge, duck, sidestep. Examples: "He dodged the issue." "She skirted the problem." "They tend to evade their responsibilities." "He evaded the questions skillfully."

(verb) hinder or restrict with or as if with a hedge. Synonyms: hedge. Example: "The animals were hedged in."

(verb) enclose or bound in with or as it with a hedge or hedges. Synonyms: hedge, hedge in. Example: "Hedge the property."

(verb) minimize loss or risk. Synonyms: hedge. Examples: "Diversify your financial portfolio to hedge price risks." "Hedge your bets."