Hug

/hʌɡ/

verbBeginner🔥Very CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

To clasp someone or something closely in your arms, typically to express affection, comfort, or greeting.

/hʌɡ/

verbpositiveBeginner
General

To embrace someone or something tightly

He hugged his mother goodbye.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're really happy or sad and you squeeze someone tight with your arms. That's a hug! It's like a silent way to say "I care" or "I'm here for you."

👶 For kids: To put your arms around someone and squeeze them tight.

More Examples

2

She hugged the teddy bear tightly.

3

I hugged my friend when I saw her after a long time.

How It's Used

Personal Relationships

"She hugged her daughter tightly before she left for school."

Emotional Support

"He hugged her to comfort her after she heard the bad news."

2

A close embrace, typically as a greeting or expression of affection.

/hʌɡ/

nounpositiveBeginner
General

An act of embracing someone or something tightly.

She gave him a comforting hug.

💡 Simply: A hug is when you put your arms around someone and hold them close. It's a warm and friendly gesture, like a big squeeze to show you care.

👶 For kids: When you wrap your arms around someone for a squeeze.

More Examples

2

They shared a quick hug before parting ways.

3

A hug can say a thousand words.

How It's Used

Personal Interactions

"They exchanged a warm hug at the airport."

Emotional Expression

"A hug can be a powerful form of nonverbal communication."

Tip:Picture the physical act - a hug is the physical manifestation of affection or greeting.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

bear hug

A very tight, strong hug.

"He gave his friend a bear hug."

air hug

A gesture of hugging in the air, often used when there's a distance or physical barrier.

"She sent him an air hug across the crowded room."

From Middle English huggen, of uncertain origin, possibly related to Old Norse hugga ('to comfort').

The word 'hug' appeared in the late 16th century, initially meaning to 'cuddle' or 'fondle'.

Memory tip

Think of hugging like wrapping your arms in a cozy embrace.

Word Origin

LanguageUnknown (possibly Old Norse or Middle English)
Original meaning

"To embrace, to cuddle."

a warm huga tight huga comforting huggive a hugget a hug

Common misspellings

hugghuggz

Usage

80%Spoken
20%Written