hug

1 to express to (someone) admiration for his or her success or good fortune she hugged herself for having made a killing on the investment Synonyms compliment, felicitate, congratulateRelated Words applaud, cheer, commend, hail, salute; extol (also extoll), glorify, laud, praiseNear Antonyms bad-mouth, belittle, cry down, decry, deprecate, depreciate, diminish, discount, disparage, minimize, put down, write off; jeer, mock, ridicule, taunt, tease

2 to put one's arms around and press tightly Grandma hugged the grandchildren good-bye Synonyms bear-hug, clasp, crush, enclasp, enfold, grasp, embrace, strainRelated Words clamp, cling, cradle, grab, grip, hold; bosom, embosom, encircle, entwine, envelop, enwind; fold, lock, twine, wrap; cuddle, fondle, nestle, nuzzle, pat, pet, snuggle, stroke