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Bridge
A bridge is a service that moves tokens or information from one blockchain to another. Usually it locks your tokens on the first chain and issues a matching wrapped token on the second, which can be redeemed back through the bridge.
What it means for you. The wrapped token you receive is only worth what the bridge can redeem, so a bridge hack or bug can leave it unbacked; very large sums have been stolen this way. Some bridges are run by a small group of operators who could block or take funds. Check that the destination chain and token address are correct before sending.
Sources: ethereum.org: Blockchain bridges, ECB Macroprudential Bulletin: Decentralised finance, ethereum.org: Bridges (developer docs) · checked 4 October 2026
Wrapped token
A wrapped token is a token that stands for another asset one-for-one, so it can be used where the original cannot. Wrapped ether (WETH), for example, is ETH deposited into a contract that issues the same amount of an ERC-20 token, which can be swapped back for ETH.
What it means for you. A wrapped token is worth the original only while it can be swapped back, so you carry the risk of whatever holds the backing. Different versions exist on different chains with different security properties, and copies can share a name, so check the contract address before you send or swap.
Sources: ethereum.org: What is wrapped ether (WETH), SEC: Application of the Federal Securities Laws to Certain Types of Crypto Assets (Mar. 17, 2026) · checked 4 October 2026