hug

American  

[huhg] / hʌg /

verb (used with object)

hugged, hugging

1. to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.

2. to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish.

   to hug an opinion.

3. to keep close to, as in sailing, walking, or in moving along or alongside of.

   to hug the shore;

   to hug the road.

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verb (used without object)

hugged, hugging

1. to cling together; lie close.

noun

1. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

hug British  

/ hʌɡ /

verb

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

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

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

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noun

1. a tight or fond embrace

Other Word Forms

• huggable adjective
• hugger noun
• huggingly adverb
• unhugged adjective

Etymology

Origin of hug

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

Example Sentences

Martin's family clapped and hugged after the sentencing was passed.

From BBC

I groan at the realization that I’ll have to explain this, crumpling into Dara, who is nice enough to give me a hug.

From Literature

I tell her thanks and lean over to give her a hug.

From Literature

He hugged his fleecy tail to his chest.

From Literature

She gives me a thumbs up, and with a kiss and a warm hug, we say goodbye.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• embrace