n. 25B6; verb
they hugged each other : EMBRACE, cuddle, squeeze, clasp, clutch, cling to, hold close, hold tight, take someone in one's arms, clasp someone to one's bosom; poetic/literary embosom.
our route hugged the coastline : FOLLOW CLOSELY, keep close to, stay near to, follow the course of.
we hugged the comforting thought : CLING TO, hold on to, cherish, harbour, nurse, foster, retain, keep in mind.
25B6; noun there were hugs as we left : EMBRACE, cuddle, squeeze, bear hug, clinch.