hugging

hug

 (hŭg)

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.]

---

hug′ga·ble adj.

hug′ger n.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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

Based on WordNet 3.0, Farlex clipart collection. © 2003-2012 Princeton University, Farlex Inc.