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View synonyms for hug

hug

[ huhg ]

verb (used with object)

, hugged, hug·ging.
  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, hug·ging.
  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

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Derived Forms

  • ˈhuggable, adjective
  • ˈhugger, noun

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Other Words From

  • hugger noun
  • hugging·ly adverb
  • un·hugged adjective

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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”

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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

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Example Sentences

A nurse collapsed on the floor of the bar, a number of strangers begged for a hug, a man confessed to domestic violence, another explained why he hated his kids.

From Ozy

Mallott gave her an awkward hug and she walked out the door.

On several occasions, this person initiated a friendly hug when I came to her work place, and I reflexively gave her a peck on top of her head.

Since the outbreak of the coronavirus, the Milwaukee, Wisconsin resident says she’s stayed away from most people, resorting to “air hugs” when she’s seen her 20-year-old niece at a distance.

From Fortune

The 32-year-old digital strategist said given that she’s not a touchy-feely person, she doesn’t really miss hugs or handshakes.

From Fortune

With help, he got to his feet, and when she hugged him he lifted his arms slightly as if to return the hug.

"Kate sought me out and gave me a hug just before she left," said Mrs Smith afterwards to a reporter at the Daily Mail.

And Fred stuck in the card for me that said, “Live from New York…” and gave me a hug.

Charlie Crist got thrown out of the party for one hug, after all.

He would pull her toward him, hug her, kiss her, and stroke her hair.

There is a man who says he has been at evening parties out West, where the boys and girls hug so hard that their sides cave in.

He was a stubborn idealist, and having found something at last to admire he purposed to hug it.

"Oh," cried Betty, hugging Amy ecstatically, simply because she happened to be the nearest one to hug.

Rushing into the cabin, the girl gave him a hug that caused Jim to nearly drop the coffee pot.

He quotes me as having then said, that we ought not to hug these lands as a very great treasure.

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