hugging

hug

H0314700 (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.

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

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hug′ga·ble adj.hug′ger n.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

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