hug

[ huhg ]
See synonyms for hug on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),hugged, hug·ging.
  1. to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.

  2. to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish: to hug an opinion.

  1. to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of: to hug the shore;to hug the road.

verb (used without object),hugged, hug·ging.
  1. to cling together; lie close.

noun
  1. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

Origin of hug

1
First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps from Old Norse hugga “to soothe, console”; akin to Old English hogian “to care for”

Other words from hug

  • hugger, noun
  • hug·ging·ly, adverb
  • un·hugged, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use hug in a sentence

  • He climbed into her lap before any one could stop him, and gave her one of his best bear hugs.

    The Box-Car Children | Gertrude Chandler Warner
  • Hugs and kisses and laughter followed; so glad were the happy children to meet again after even so short a separation.

  • Gracie and Eva did while you were exchanging hugs and kisses with papa, and I think it's my turn now.

  • There ain't a butt in the world that hugs your hand tighter.

    Riders of the Silences | John Frederick
  • George hugs his golden chains, and so do you,' replied Sarah.

    Sarah's School Friend | May Baldwin

British Dictionary definitions for hug

hug

/ (hʌɡ) /


verbhugs, hugging or hugged (mainly tr)
  1. (also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace

  2. to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc

  1. to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish

  2. to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)

noun
  1. a tight or fond embrace

Origin of hug

1
C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of

Derived forms of hug

  • huggable, adjective
  • hugger, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012