hug

[ huhg ]
/ hʌg /

verb (used with object), hugged, hug·ging.

to clasp tightly in the arms, especially with affection; embrace.
to cling firmly or fondly to; cherish: to hug an opinion.
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.

to cling together; lie close.

noun

a tight clasp with the arms; embrace.

Origin of hug

1560–70; perhaps < Old Norse hugga to soothe, console; akin to Old English hogian to care for

OTHER WORDS FROM hug

hug·ger, noun hug·ging·ly, adverb un·hugged, adjective

Example sentences from the Web for hug

British Dictionary definitions for hug

hug
/ (hʌɡ) /

verb hugs, hugging or hugged (mainly tr)

(also intr) to clasp (another person or thing) tightly or (of two people) to cling close together; embrace
to keep close to a shore, kerb, etc
to cling to (beliefs, etc); cherish
to congratulate (oneself); be delighted with (oneself)

noun

a tight or fond embrace

Derived forms of hug

huggable, adjective hugger, noun

Word Origin for hug

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