bear-hug
verb
\
Definition of bear-hug
(Entry 1 of 2)
bear hug
nounDefinition of bear hug (Entry 2 of 2)
Keep scrolling for more
Synonyms for bear-hug
Synonyms: Verb
clasp, crush, embrace, enclasp, enfold, grasp, hug, strain
Visit the Thesaurus for More
Examples of bear-hug in a Sentence
Noun
He gave his brother a bear hug.Recent Examples on the Web: Noun
When Spencer bounded from his bed and wrapped this fellow expat in a bear hug, Robinson was taken aback. — Alex Prewitt, SI.com, "How Do You Say 'Cheesecake Factory' In Mandarin? Behind the Scenes of Life in the Chinese Basketball Association," 27 June 2019 Usually just a hello with a smile is sufficient for greetings, though someone may surprise you with a bear hug at your departure. — National Geographic, "See Jerusalem like a Nat Geo Explorer," 16 Apr. 2019 Osorio beamed, receiving a string of ferocious bear hugs from his players and staff members. — Andrew Keh, New York Times, "A Fearless Mexico Tops Germany, With Help From Its Cerebral Coach," 18 June 2018 Amid these challenges, moms are essentially the first responders to the children's distress — and cheering up a child with a funny face or bear hug doesn't quite solve bullying or pimple embarrassment. — Christine Coppa, Good Housekeeping, "Middle School Proves to Be the Most Stressful Time — for the Whole Family," 27 Jan. 2016 Rondo tried to land another punch, and Paul retaliated with a punch of his own before he was held back in a bear hug by James. — Ben Cohen, WSJ, "LeBron James’s First Game in Los Angeles Turns Into Fight Night," 21 Oct. 2018 Then a couple dozen children ran to her and into a class bear hug. — Liz Bowie, baltimoresun.com, "Baltimore County teacher calls it a career after 41 years in the same first-grade classroom," 15 June 2018 Frances McDormand grabs her Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri co-star Sam Rockwell in a bear hug, before fixing his bow tie. — Andrea Mandell, USA TODAY, "Oscars 2018: Everything crazy thing we saw backstage at the Academy Awards," 5 Mar. 2018 Sonics legend Gary Payton gave out bear hugs on stage. — Evan Webeck, The Seattle Times, "A little rain gives Special Olympics USA Games’ opening ceremony a Pacific Northwest feel," 1 July 2018These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'bear-hug.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Keep scrolling for more
Keep scrolling for more
Comments on bear-hug
What made you want to look up bear-hug? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Test Your Vocabulary
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
-
- Which is a synonym of desideratum?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
TAKE THE QUIZ
Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.
TAKE THE QUIZ
-
Summer 2019 Words of the Day Quiz
The Word of the Day takes no vacation.
Take the quiz -
Obscure Shapes
Surprisingly specific words for shapes.
Take the quiz -
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?
Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!
Take the quiz -
Add Diction
Build a chain of words by adding one letter at a time.
Play the game
Share bear-hug
Resources for bear-hug