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

Joan and Jacob have appeared on stage together for Q&A sessions after recent performances, where she agrees that people can find it extraordinary to see them hug each other.

From BBC

A new review published in Trends in Cognitive Sciences challenges that idea by examining thermoception, the ability to sense changes in skin temperature such as a warm hug or a sudden chill.

From Science Daily

Many hugged each other, crying quietly, as they remembered the dozens killed and those still in hospital with severe burns, fighting for their lives.

From BBC

Groups of young people wept and hugged each other.

From The Wall Street Journal

Nearby, some groups of friends hugged, sobbing, distraught.

From Barron's

Related Words

• embrace