hugged; hugging; hugs
Definition of hug
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
transitive + intransitive
: to press (someone) tightly in one's arms especially as a sign of affection
They hugged each other before saying goodbye. We hugged briefly.
c
transitive
: to wrap one's arms around (oneself)
She was wearing only a wraparound denim skirt over her black bathing suit, and in the chill of approaching evening was hugging herself.— John Updike (figurative) Jerome looked puzzled, or pretended to. In reality he was hugging himself with delight.— Lucy Maud Montgomery
2
transitive
: to stay close to (something)
a road that hugs the river a boat hugging the shore clothes that hug your body's curves [=tight-fitting clothes]
3
transitive
: to hold (something) fast : cherish
… hugged his miseries like a sulky child— John Buchan
hug
noun
plural hugs
Definition of hug (Entry 2 of 2)
: a close embrace with the arms especially as a sign of affection
She gave me a hug. hugs and kisses "He was very, very compassionate. Very loving. He always gave you a hug hello and a hug goodbye." — The Salt Lake Tribune Peggotty was not slow to respond, and ratify the treaty of friendship by giving me one of her best hugs.— Charles Dickens
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for hug
The first known use of hug was in 1567
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