Wedge

/wˈɛd‍ʒ/

/ˈwɛdʒ/

Wedge

NOUN

a large sandwich made of a long crusty roll split lengthwise and filled with meats and cheese (and tomato and onion and lettuce and condiments); different names are used in different sections of the United States

any shape that is triangular in cross section

something solid that is usable as an inclined plane (shaped like a V) that can be pushed between two things to separate them

a block of wood used to prevent the sliding or rolling of a heavy object

a heel that is an extension of the sole of the shoe

(golf) an iron with considerable loft and a broad sole

a diacritical mark (an inverted circumflex) placed above certain letters (such as the letter c) to indicate pronunciation

to wedge

VERB

to forcefully fit or insert something into a tight space

to secure or stabilize an object by inserting a wedge or wedges into a particular position

Example

During the Cold War, ideological differences drove a wedge between the East and West, resulting in a divided world.

The ongoing conflict in the region is driving a wedge between neighboring countries, straining diplomatic relations.

He garnished his cocktail with a wedge of lime for a refreshing twist.

If not handled carefully, the proposed changes to the organization's structure could drive a wedge between departments, hindering collaboration and communication.