Definition

1. Verb (Phrasal Verb):
   • To pull someone or something nearer to oneself: To bring a person or object closer by pulling or guiding.
   • To move nearer to something or someone: To approach or come closer to a destination, person, or point in time.
   • To settle into a comfortable, warm, or intimate position: To move one's body into a cozy or snug position, often close to another person or object for warmth or comfort.

Usage Examples

• Verb (Pulling nearer):
  • She drew the child close to comfort him.
  • He drew the blanket close to keep out the cold.
• Verb (Approaching):
  • As the car drew close, we could see it was a taxi.
  • The deadline is drawing close, so we must work faster.
• Verb (Settling cozily):
  • The kittens drew close to their mother for warmth.
  • They drew close together on the sofa to watch the movie.

Advanced Usage

• "To draw oneself close to someone/something": Emphasizes a deliberate, personal movement into a close position.
  • Feeling scared, she drew herself close to the wall.
• Used to describe the gradual approach of abstract concepts like events or seasons.
  • As the election draws close, the campaigns intensify.
  • Winter is drawing close.

Variants and Related Words

• Draw near: A nearly identical variant, often used for the "approach" meaning.
  • The time for his speech drew near.
• Approach (verb): To come near or nearer to.
• Cuddle (verb): To hold close in one's arms as a way of showing love or affection.
• Snuggle (verb): To settle or move into a warm, comfortable position.

Synonyms

• Pull in: To bring closer.
• Come near / Approach: To move closer.
• Cuddle up / Snuggle up: To settle into a cozy position.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Draw in: Can mean to pull something inward or for days to get shorter (e.g., ).
• Draw up: To come to a stop (e.g., ), or to prepare a document.

Related Idioms

• Draw to a close: To gradually end or finish.
  • The festival is drawing to a close.
• Draw near (to someone's heart): To become emotionally important or dear to someone.
  • The cause of animal welfare has drawn close to her heart.

Verb

1. pull towards oneself
   • He drew the crying child close
2. move towards
   • We were approaching our destination
   • They are drawing near
   • The enemy army came nearer and nearer
3. move or arrange oneself in a comfortable and cozy position
   • We cuddled against each other to keep warm
   • The children snuggled into their sleeping bags