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hug Definition

hug (hug)

transitive verb hugged, hug′·ging

  1. to put the arms around and hold closely; esp., to embrace tightly and affectionately
  2. to squeeze tightly between the forelegs, as a bear does
  3. to cling to or cherish (a belief, opinion, etc.)
  4. to keep close to to hug the shoreline in sailing

Etymology: prob. via dial. < ON hugga, to comfort, console

intransitive verb

to clasp or embrace each other closely

noun

  1. a close, affectionate embrace
  2. a tight clasp or hold with the arms, as in wrestling
  3. a bear's squeeze

hug Related Forms
hug′·ga·ble adjective hug′·ger noun
hug Synonyms

hug

n.

embrace, squeeze, tight grip, caress, demonstration of affection, clinch*, bunny hug*, bear hug*; see also touch 2.

hug Synonyms

hug

v.

embrace, squeeze, clasp, press close, hold to one's heart, love, keep close to, catch hold of, be near to, clasp tightly in one's arms, cling, fold in the arms, clutch, seize, envelop, press, grasp, enfold, embosom, nestle, welcome, cuddle, lock, press to the bosom, snuggle, lie close, cling together, receive warmly, fold to the breast, take to the heart, go into a clinch*, clinch*; see also caress, hold 1, touch 1.

hug Usage Examples

Object

  • contour: Tracks and roads hugged contours and natural landscape features: they fitted in, they became part of the landscape.
  • hillside: As the train continues down the valley, it hugs the steep hillside.
  • coastline: From here, keep more or less straight on, hugging the coastline, following signs for Harbor View.
  • shore: The best way is to hug the shore as you go out.
  • stranger: I wanted to turn to my neighbors and tell them how excited I was, I wanted to hug random strangers.
  • coast: We were headed north, tho, along the road hugging the coast.

Converse of object

  • send: We wish you every success in the future and send a big hug from all at the Monday Club.
  • want: The moment i walked in the door there were children all around me wanting a hug.
  • exchange: After exchanging warm hugs, we all went inside.

Adjective modifier

  • manly: Peter Mack bounds down the aisle of the Arts Center and envelopes Tony Howard in a manly hug.
  • big: I send you all my biggest ever hugs - please pass all my love on to Sue.
  • huge: Huge hugs from Marlene to Kirsty for being spectacularly worse at blowing up balloons than she ever was ( remember Hunstanton?
  • warm: After exchanging warm hugs, we all went inside.
  • massive: I think Clare got a massive hug from me when we eventually ended the day and was on dry land yet again.
  • quick: Willow, meeting Xander coming out of the magic shop, gives him a quick hug and says she loves him.

Modifies a noun

  • xxx: Love and hugs xxx | | The administrator has disabled public write access.

Noun used with modifier

  • cyber: I live in Essex so will exchange cyber hugs with you ( ( hugs & kisses ) ).
  • bear: Left: Burns gets another bear hug from Hemel's huge no.
  • path: On a windy day the next 2km ( 1.2 miles ) are a dramatic scene, the coastal path hugs the high cliffs.
  • group: Can we all have a great big group hug?