hug

[huhg]

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.

verb (used without object)

hugged, hugging 

1. to cling together; lie close.

noun

1. a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

hug

/ 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)

noun

1. a tight or fond embrace

Other Word Forms

• hugger noun
• huggingly adverb
• unhugged adjective
• huggable adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hug¹

First recorded in 1560–70; perhaps from Old Norse hugga “to soothe, console”; akin to Old English hogian “to care for”

Word History and Origins

Origin of hug¹

C16: probably of Scandinavian origin; related to Old Norse hugga to comfort, Old English hogian to take care of

Example Sentences

Everyone is greeted with a hello and a hug.

Read more on BBC

After hugs and farewells, they walk back out into the night, still unnoticed.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The pop star, who has had surgery for breast cancer, shared a hug with the princess, who was attending her first Royal Variety Performance since her recovery from cancer.

Read more on BBC

Radcliffe said he hopes the young actors are “having a great time” and that seeing their pictures made him “just want to hug them.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

When he reached me, we shook hands—and, in a quiet recognition of shared culture, that handshake turned into a hug.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• embrace