bear hug
a strong, tight embrace: My father gave me a big bear hug as soon as I stepped out of the taxi.
Wrestling. a hold in which one contestant locks both arms around the other in order to make the opponent fall to the mat.
Origin of bear hug
1Other definitions for bear-hug (2 of 2)
to greet with or hold in a bear hug: eager fans bear-hugging the victorious team.
Origin of bear-hug
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use bear hug in a sentence
When he came on set he would pick up every woman and give them a big bear hug in the morning.
'The Knick' Star Eve Hewson on Being Bono's Daughter and Injecting Cocaine Into Clive Owen's Penis | Kevin Fallon | August 7, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTBonus: BFF Billy Crystal, who hosted that year, giving Williams a big bear hug as he exited, trophy in hand, to the wings.
Best Oscar Speeches of All Time: Tom Hanks, Meryl Streep & More | Kevin Fallon | March 2, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThen Cathy sweeps Cannistraci literally off her feet in a bear hug.
Edie Windsor on Love, and More Scenes From a Gay Marriage | Steven Thrasher | June 26, 2013 | THE DAILY BEASTPull your lover close for a bear hug in the middle of a passionate kiss.
As he reached for it, the feared Soviet leader gave Susskind a playful bear hug.
Away went Marjorie, after bestowing another tumultuous bear-hug on her mother.
Marjorie's Busy Days | Carolyn WellsDear Davy, I wish you were here to-night, to catch me up in that great bear hug of yours.
The Wasted Generation | Owen JohnsonIf Charles stepped inside it, the man would grab him in a bear hug and knife him in the back.
The Syndic | C.M. Kornbluth"You know we care to go," laughed Mary Jane and she jumped up and gave him a big bear hug.
Mary Jane--Her Visit | Clara Ingram JudsonA great, happy "bear-hug" almost choked him, as Phil's arms were clasped about his neck.
The Story of Dago | Annie Fellows-Johnston
British Dictionary definitions for bear hug
a wrestling hold in which the arms are locked tightly round an opponent's chest and arms
any similar tight embrace
commerce an approach to the board of one company by another to indicate that an offer is to be made for their shares
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse