Main Entry:

hug

Pronunciation:

\ˈhəg\

Function:

transitive verb

Inflected Form(s):

hugged; hug·ging

Etymology:

perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hugga to soothe

Date:

1567

1: to press tightly especially in the arms2 a: congratulate b: to hold fast : cherish <hugged his miseries like a sulky child — John Buchan>3: to stay close to <the road hugs the river>

— hug noun

— hug·ga·ble \ˈhə-gə-bəl\ adjective

— hug·ger noun