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

“The best hugs. Oh my friend. I wish you peace.”

From Los Angeles Times

The first thing Liu did when she was crowned as the new Olympic champion was hug Nakai, who was in shock when the score was announced.

From Los Angeles Times

Describing the moment she saw her fatally injured mother at the hospital, she said: "She was black, her eyes were black. She was burned and blistered. I couldn't love her or hug her."

From BBC

His 5th Congressional District, which hugs the Nevada border, has been sliced up into six districts under California’s voter-approved Proposition 50, and he has not yet picked one to run in for re-election.

From Los Angeles Times

She broke down in tears when she hugged her coach.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• embrace