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

Cheering fans gave Ovechkin a standing ovation as his teammates cleared the bench, skating across the ice to the far glass to share in a team celebration hug.

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She got a round of applause and some hugs as she broke the news of her final payout.

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She celebrated her second WTA title with a warm hug with father Cyprien, beaming broadly as he lifted the trophy for the cameras.

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She then hugged her lawyer before the court proceedings went ahead with the judge asking procedural questions, including whether or not Bella Culley pleaded guilty to the charge of trafficking drugs into Georgia.

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Lord Street in Bloom volunteer Helen Marshall described it as "a horticultural hug in those difficult days".

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Related Words

• embrace