hug

[huhg]

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.

verb (used without object)

hugged, hugging 

1. to cling together; lie close.

noun

1. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

hug

/ 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)

noun

1. a tight or fond embrace

Other Word Forms

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hug¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of hug¹

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

Example Sentences

The court heard she had been her "usual self" and her mother had given her a hug and a kiss before bedtime.

Read more on BBC

Roberts jumped off the bench and hugged Sasaki on the field.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

That said, the moment when Didi and Gogo throw themselves into a frantic hug—as if only by touching one another can they be sure they still exist—has breathtaking poignancy.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The day dawned foggy, but the low blanket of mist that hugged the land the day before had lifted.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The children who live on the farm were overjoyed by the rescue and greeted their goat with big hugs.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• embrace