bear hug

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See synonyms for bear hug on Thesaurus.com

noun

a forcefully or heartily tight embrace.

Wrestling. a hold in which one contestant locks both arms around the other from the front in order to make the opponent fall backward.

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of bear hug

First recorded in 1920–25

Words nearby bear hug

bearer bond, bear false witness, bear fruit, bear garden, bear grass, bear hug, bearing, bearing pedestal, bearing pile, bearing plate, bearing rail

Other definitions for bear hug (2 of 2)

bear-hug

[ bair-huhg ]

/ ˈbɛərˌhʌg /

verb (used with object), bear-hugged, bear-hug·ging.

to greet with or hold in a bear hug: eager fans bear-hugging the victorious team.

Origin of bear-hug

First recorded in 1955–60

How to use bear hug in a sentence

Where many plush slippers tend to feel like clown shoes, these fit snugly, like a bear hug for your feet.
The Best At-Home Après Gear of 2022|jversteegh|October 26, 2021|Outside Online
Go big with a large massage chair that feels like a bear hug, or keep it simple with a heated massage recliner disguised as a typical piece of living room furniture.
Best massage chair: Take relaxation to a new level right in your living room|Irena Collaku|August 13, 2021|Popular-Science
One plaintiff, William Jarta Hall, says he was on Bladensburg Road NE on a fall afternoon in 2015 when Onoja pulled up on his bicycle, wrapped him in a bear hug and threw him down on the sidewalk.
These are the police misconduct lawsuits the public hears little about|Paul Schwartzman|December 25, 2020|Washington Post
When he came on set he would pick up every woman and give them a big bear hug in the morning.
'The Knick' Star Eve Hewson on Being Bono's Daughter and Injecting Cocaine Into Clive Owen's Penis|Kevin Fallon|August 7, 2014|DAILY BEAST

Bonus: BFF Billy Crystal, who hosted that year, giving Williams a big bear hug as he exited, trophy in hand, to the wings.
Best Oscar Speeches of All Time: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep & More|Kevin Fallon|March 2, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Then Cathy sweeps Cannistraci literally off her feet in a bear hug.
Edie Windsor on Love, and More Scenes From a Gay Marriage|Steven Thrasher|June 26, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Pull your lover close for a bear hug in the middle of a passionate kiss.
10 Rules for a Great Valentine's Day Kiss|William Cane|February 13, 2011|DAILY BEAST
As he reached for it, the feared Soviet leader gave Susskind a playful bear hug.
Nikita Khrushchev, Talk Show Guest|Stephen Battaglio|November 20, 2010|DAILY BEAST
Away went Marjorie, after bestowing another tumultuous bear-hug on her mother.
Marjorie's Busy Days|Carolyn Wells
Dear Davy, I wish you were here to-night, to catch me up in that great bear hug of yours.
The Wasted Generation|Owen Johnson
If Charles stepped inside it, the man would grab him in a bear hug and knife him in the back.
The Syndic|C.M. Kornbluth
"You know we care to go," laughed Mary Jane and she jumped up and gave him a big bear hug.
Mary Jane--Her Visit|Clara Ingram Judson
A great, happy "bear-hug" almost choked him, as Phil's arms were clasped about his neck.
The Story of Dago|Annie Fellows-Johnston

British Dictionary definitions for bear hug

bear hug

noun

a wrestling hold in which the arms are locked tightly round an opponent's chest and arms

any similar tight embrace

commerce an approach to the board of one company by another to indicate that an offer is to be made for their shares

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

bear hug

Origin of bear hug

Words nearby bear hug

Other definitions for bear hug (2 of 2)

Origin of bear-hug

Words related to bear hug

How to use bear hug in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for bear hug