hugging

hug  (hg)

v. hugged, hug·ging, hugs

v.tr.

1. To clasp or hold closely, especially in the arms, as in affection; embrace.

2. To hold steadfastly to; cherish: He still hugs his outmoded beliefs.

3. To stay close to: a sailboat hugging the shore.

v.intr.

To embrace or cling together closely.

n.

1. A close, affectionate embrace.

2. A crushing embrace, as in wrestling.

---

[Probably of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse hugga, to comfort.]

---

hugga·ble adj.

hugger n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

hugging - affectionate play (or foreplay without contact with the genital organs) caressing, cuddling, fondling, kissing, petting, smooching, snuggling, necking foreplay, stimulation, arousal - mutual sexual fondling prior to sexual intercourse snogging - (British informal) cuddle and kiss