Bearhug

/ˈbɛɹhʌɡ/ noun

A tight embrace with both arms, often applied with great force and affection, named after the crushing grip a bear might use.

Compound of 'bear' (the animal) and 'hug' (to embrace). The term emerged in the 19th century, comparing human embraces to the powerful grip of a bear, which was seen as both dangerous and demonstrative of strength.

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