bearhug

/ˈbɛrˌhʌɡ/
noun
  1. A very tight, affectionate hug, often lifting the other person off the ground.
    • My grandfather's bearhug was so strong it made me feel completely safe.
    • He gave his little brother a bearhug when he came home from college.
    • The coach wrapped her in a bearhug after she scored the winning goal.
verb
  1. To hug someone very tightly and affectionately, often lifting them up.
    • The toddler bearhugged his father's leg and wouldn't let go.
    • They bearhugged each other in celebration of the championship win.
    • She bearhugged her best friend at the airport after a long separation.
What does "bearhug" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean