verb

squeeze (someone) tightly in one’s arms, typically to express affection.

he hugged her close to him

embrace,cuddle,squeeze,clasp,clutch,cling to,hold someone close,hold someone tight,take someone in one’s arms,enfold someone in one’s arms,embosom

noun

an act of holding someone tightly in one’s arms, typically to express affection.

there were hugs and tears as they were reunited

embrace,cuddle,squeeze,bear hug,hold,clasp,clutch,clinch,caress