hug

/hʌɡ/

to hold closely with arms

She gave him a warm hug.

She held him closely to show affection.

informal

to hold someone tightly in your arms, typically to show affection or comfort

I hugged my grandmother goodbye.

I held my grandmother tightly as I left.

Commonly used in casual, friendly, or familial contexts.

informal

an act of holding someone tightly in your arms

He gave her a big hug.

He embraced her tightly.

Used as a noun to describe the action itself.

Collocations

bear huga very tight embracegroup hugmultiple people hugging each other at onceside hughugging from the side, often less intimate

to reconcile or resolve a conflict amicably

Use 'hug' for close friends and family. In formal business meetings, stick to handshakes unless invited otherwise.

Always ensure the other person is comfortable before initiating a hug.

From Middle English 'huggen', meaning to squeeze or embrace; related to 'hugger-mugger' (confusion/obscurity).

A common, friendly gesture. In professional settings, a handshake is often preferred unless you know the person well.

English Dictionary