Meaning and usage of the word bear hug in English

Meaning of vocabulary bear hug

bear hugnoun

ôm chặt

/ˈbeə hʌɡ//ˈber hʌɡ/

Origin of the word bear hug

The term "bear hug" initially derived from the hunting and trapping industry in North America during the 1800s. In this context, it referred to the act of wrapping one's arms tightly around a large and potentially dangerous animal, such as a bear, during the hunting process. This grip, known as a bear hug, was used to control and subdue the animal, making it easier to kill or trap. However, the phrase "bear hug" has since taken on a broader meaning and is now used figuratively to describe a strong and affectionate embrace. This figurative usage likely came about due to the similarity in gesture between a person wrapping their arms around someone in a tight hug and a hunter wrapping their arms around a bear in a bear hug. In essence, the term "bear hug" has evolved over time, from its origins in the hunting industry to a widely understood and colloquial expression used to describe a heartfelt embrace.

Example of vocabulary bear hugnamespace

  • After a heated argument, John wrapped his arms tightly around Sarah in a bear hug to apologize and make amends.
  • The coach gave his star player a bear hug after he scored the winning goal in the championship game.
  • The airport reunion between the long-lost friends resulted in a tearful bear hug that lasted for minutes.
  • The co-workers shared a heartfelt bear hug after completing a project that had taken months of hard work.
  • The proud parent gave her child a bear hug when they graduated from college, knowing all the sacrifices they had made to achieve this milestone.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary bear hug


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