# hug

/ˈhəɡ/ (US) · /hˈʌɡ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hug
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. to embrace

verb · CEFR A2

to put your arms around someone to show you like them or to say hello.

For teachers: to squeeze someone tightly in one's arms, typically to express affection, greeting, or consolation.

- The children ran to hug their grandmother as soon as she walked through the door.
- Upon hearing the news of the successful operation, the family members hugged one another in a spontaneous display of relief and joy.

Usage: This is a transitive verb that takes a person as a direct object.

### 2. to stay close to

verb · CEFR B2

to stay very close to the edge of something while moving.

For teachers: to move or remain very close to a physical boundary or edge.

- The small boat had to hug the shore to avoid the rough waves in the middle of the lake.
- The cyclist was careful to hug the curb as the heavy lorries thundered past him on the narrow country road.

Usage: Often used with objects like 'the coast', 'the shore', or 'the curb'.

### 3. an embrace

noun · CEFR A2

the act of holding someone close in your arms.

For teachers: a physical act of affection involving the wrapping of arms around another person.

- He gave his sister a big hug before he got on the plane.
- A warm hug can often communicate more sympathy and understanding than a long speech during times of grief.

Usage: Commonly used with the verb 'give'.

### 4. to cherish an idea

verb · CEFR C1 · Literary

to keep a feeling or belief in your mind because it makes you feel good.

For teachers: to hold onto a belief, feeling, or idea with great tenacity or affection.

- Even after many years, he continued to hug the hope that they would meet again.
- The exiled leader continued to hug the belief that his people would one day rise up and demand his return.

Usage: Usually takes abstract nouns like 'belief', 'delusion', or 'hope' as objects.

## Examples

- She gave her friend a big hug before leaving.
- After being apart for three years, the siblings shared a long hug at the airport arrivals gate.
- The child sought the comfort of a warm hug to soothe the anxiety brought on by the loud thunderstorm outside.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.