bearhugs
Tight whole-body squeezes
A bearhug is a tight, encompassing embrace where both arms wrap fully around another person, squeezing them close to the body.
The term evokes the image of a bear's powerful grip, though bearhugs between humans are typically affectionate rather than threatening.
He greeted his old friend with a bearhug.
In business contexts, a bearhug refers to an aggressive takeover offer made at a premium price, designed to pressure a company's board into accepting.
Hold closely in arms
- squeezeFirm bilateral compression
- cuddleAffectionate close embrace
- snuggleEmbrace cozily
- warmthHeat you feel
tenderness · fondness · closeness · bonding · togetherness · attachment · devotion · kinship
Firm bilateral compression
- tightFirmly stretched or fitting
- crushingOverwhelming in intensity
- liftingRaising something heavy
- engulfCompletely surround and cover
envelop · breathless · swaying · rocking · patting · wrapping · clasping · stronghold
Comfort during distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- solaceRelief from distress
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
- supportTo uphold or sustain
nurture · compassion · sympathy · kindness · healing · relief · gentleness · care
embrace
Hold closely in arms
warmth · tenderness · fondness · closeness · bonding · togetherness · attachment · devotion · kinship · camaraderie
squeeze
Firm bilateral compression
engulf · envelop · breathless · swaying · rocking · patting · wrapping · clasping · stronghold · grip
consolation
Comfort during distress
- reassuranceWords meant to calm
- solaceRelief from distress
- soothingReducing distress or discomfort
support · nurture · compassion · sympathy · kindness · healing · relief · gentleness · care · understanding
bearhugsair kisses
Gestured greetings without contact
handshakes · nods · waves · fist bumps · bows
bearhugscold shoulders
Intentional chilly treatment
snubs · rebuffs · brush-offs · pushing away · dismissals