edged
/ɛdʒd/
VERB
1. Moving slowly and carefully
To move or guide something gradually and cautiously in a particular direction, often with small or controlled movements.
1.1. Gradual and cautious movement
Used when someone or something moves slowly and carefully toward, away from, or around a particular position, often to avoid drawing attention or causing disturbance.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- rushed
- charged
- bolted
- dashed
Examples
- She edged closer to the door to hear the conversation.
- The car edged forward through the narrow passage.
- He edged his chair away from the noisy group.
Related Words
- creeping
- cautious movement
- approach
- withdrawal
- positioning
VERB
2. Winning by a small margin
To defeat an opponent or achieve victory by a very narrow difference in score, performance, or outcome.
2.1. Narrow victory in competition
Used in sports, contests, and competitive situations when a person or team wins by only a small margin or narrowly outperforms an opponent.
Synonyms
- narrowly defeated
- just beat
- pipped
- outscored narrowly
- scraped past
Antonyms
- lost decisively
- was soundly defeated
- was overwhelmed
Examples
- The home team edged its rivals in the final minutes of the match.
- She edged her opponent to win the championship.
- The company edged out its competitors in the annual sales rankings.
Related Words
- victory
- competition
- score
- margin
- opponent
- close contest
VERB
3. Striking a ball with the edge of a bat
To hit a ball with the outer edge of a bat rather than its main striking surface, producing a slight or unintended deflection.
3.1. Cricket batting and ball deflection
Used in cricket when a batter accidentally or deliberately makes contact with the ball using the edge of the bat, causing it to change direction.
Synonyms
Examples
- The batsman edged the ball toward the slip fielder.
- He edged the delivery, and the wicketkeeper caught it behind the stumps.
Related Words
VERB
4. Trimming or defining an outer boundary
To cut, shape, or finish the outer boundary of a surface or area, especially to create a neat and clearly defined edge.
4.1. Lawn and garden maintenance
Used when cutting grass along the borders of a lawn, sidewalk, pathway, or garden bed to create a clean and well-defined boundary.
Synonyms
Examples
- He edged the lawn along the sidewalk to give the garden a neat appearance.
- The gardener edged the flower beds before mowing the grass.
Related Words
- lawn care
- grass cutting
- landscaping
- garden maintenance
- border
- sidewalk
4.2. Adding a decorative or protective border
Used when providing an object, garment, or surface with a distinct outer border made from another material, color, or decorative finish.
Synonyms
- bordered
- trimmed
- fringed
- bound
- rimmed
Examples
- The dress was edged with delicate lace.
- The tablecloth was edged with a contrasting decorative trim.
Related Words
- border
- trim
- fringe
- binding
- ornamentation
- decorative finish
VERB
5. Making something sharp
To provide an object or tool with a sharp cutting edge or to improve its sharpness so that it can cut or penetrate effectively.
5.1. Sharpening tools and weapons
Used when sharpening a blade, tool, or weapon by grinding, honing, or otherwise improving its cutting edge.
Synonyms
- sharpened
- honed
- whetted
- stropped
Antonyms
- blunted
- dulled
Examples
- The blacksmith edged the blade until it was ready for use.
- He carefully edged the tool to restore its cutting ability.
Related Words
- blade
- knife
- grinding
- whetstone
- cutting edge
- sharpness
VERB
6. Stimulating or intensifying a reaction
To provoke, encourage, or intensify someone's feelings, reactions, or actions through pressure, stimulation, or persistent urging.
6.1. Provoking or intensifying emotions
Used when something gradually increases emotional tension, irritation, urgency, or another strong reaction.
Synonyms
- provoked
- incited
- aggravated
- exasperated
- intensified
Antonyms
Examples
- His voice edged with frustration as the discussion continued.
- The constant criticism edged her toward anger.
Related Words
6.2. Urging or encouraging action
Used when someone is pushed or encouraged toward taking action through persistent persuasion, motivation, or pressure.
Synonyms
- goaded
- spurred
- urged
- prodded
- egged on
Antonyms
- discouraged
- dissuaded
- restrained
- deterred
Examples
- His teammates edged him toward taking the final shot.
- The approaching deadline edged the employees into completing the project.
Related Words
- motivation
- encouragement
- pressure
- persuasion
- incentive
VERB
7. Delaying orgasm during sexual activity
To deliberately delay orgasm by reducing or pausing sexual stimulation when approaching climax, allowing arousal to continue for a longer period.
7.1. Sexual stimulation and orgasm control
Used to describe a sexual technique in which stimulation is repeatedly reduced or paused just before orgasm to postpone climax.
Synonyms
- delayed orgasm
- prolonged arousal
- postponed climax
Examples
- They discussed how edging can prolong sexual arousal.
- Some people practice edging to delay orgasm.
Related Words
- sexual arousal
- orgasm
- climax
- stimulation
- sexual response
ADJECTIVE
8. Having a sharp cutting surface
Having a sharp, distinct edge or cutting surface capable of slicing, piercing, or cutting.
8.1. Sharpness of blades and objects
Used to describe an object with a sharp edge or cutting surface, especially a knife, blade, or other instrument designed to cut or penetrate.
Synonyms
- sharp
- keen-edged
- razor-sharp
- knife-edged
- cutting
Antonyms
- blunt
- dull
- blunted
Examples
- The edged blade was capable of cutting through thick material.
- The weapon had a finely edged surface.