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hug

[ huhg ]
/ hʌg /
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See synonyms for: hug / hugged / hugging on Thesaurus.com

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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Origin of hug

1560–70; 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, adjective
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
/ (hÊŒÉĄ) /

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, noun

Word 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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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