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hug
[ huhg ]
/ hÊg /
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verb (used with object), hugged, hug·ging.
to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.
to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish: to hug an opinion.
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.
to cling together; lie close.
noun
a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.
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Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.
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In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known asâŠ
Origin of hug
1560â70; perhaps <Old Norse hugga to soothe, console; akin to Old English hogian to care for
OTHER WORDS FROM hug
hugger, nounhug·ging·ly, adverbun·hugged, adjectiveWords nearby hug
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use hug in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for hug
hug
/ (hÊÉĄ) /
verb hugs, hugging or hugged (mainly tr)
(also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace
to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc
to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish
to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)
noun
a tight or fond embrace
Derived forms of hug
huggable, adjectivehugger, nounWord Origin for hug
C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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