n.
Pronunciation: ' h ə g
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: hugged ; hug · ging
Etymology: perhaps of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hugga to soothe
Date: 1567
1 : to press tightly especially in the arms
2 a : CONGRATULATE b : to hold fast : CHERISH < hugged his miseries like a sulky child ― John Buchan>
3 : to stay close to <the road hug s the river>
– hug noun
– hug · ga · ble \ ' h ə -g ə -b ə l \ adjective
– hug · ger noun