Definition

1. Noun:

   • A tight or affectionate embrace: A physical act of wrapping one's arms closely around someone or something, typically to express affection, comfort, or greeting.

2. Verb:

   • To squeeze someone tightly in one's arms: To hold someone close with the arms, usually as a sign of love, friendship, or comfort.
   • To fit closely or tightly: For an object, especially clothing, to follow the contours of a body or shape very closely.
   • To hold something closely or cherish: To cling to an idea, belief, or feeling.
   • To keep close to: To stay near or follow the outline of something, like a coastline.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • She gave her friend a warm hug after not seeing her for years.
  • The child ran to his mother for a comforting hug.

• Verb (to embrace):

  • They hugged each other tightly when they said goodbye.
  • Please hug me; I've had a terrible day.

• Verb (to fit closely):

  • The soft sweater hugged her shoulders perfectly.
  • The racing car hugged the curve of the track.

• Verb (to cherish an idea):

  • He still hugs the belief that hard work always pays off.

• Verb (to keep close to):

  • The small boat hugged the shore to avoid the strong current.

Advanced Usage

• "to hug oneself": To feel great pleasure or satisfaction, often secretly.
  • She hugged herself with delight when she heard the good news.

Variants and Related Words

• Hugger (n): A person who hugs frequently or enthusiastically.
• Huggable (adj): Appealing or suitable for hugging; cuddly.

Synonyms

• Embrace: To hold someone closely in one's arms.
• Cuddle: To hold close for warmth, comfort, or affection.
• Clasp: To hold tightly.
• Clinch (in boxing or wrestling): To hold an opponent at close quarters.
• Cling to: To hold on tightly to something, either physically or metaphorically.

Related Phrasal Verbs

(Note: "Hug" is not commonly used with particles to form standard phrasal verbs. The verb typically stands alone.)

Related Idioms

• Hug the road: (Of a vehicle) To handle well and stay firmly on the road, especially around curves.
  • This new sports car really hugs the road.
• Hug the shore: For a ship or boat to sail very close to the coastline.
• Hug the rail: In horse racing, for a horse to run very close to the inner fence or rail.

Noun

1. a tight or amorous embrace
   • come here and give me a big hug

Verb

1. fit closely or tightly
   • The dress hugged her hips
2. squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
   • Hug me, please
   • They embraced
   • He hugged her close to him