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 arms
2 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