Dear All,

Would you explain the difference between "hug someone and hold someone"? Thank you.

I think that depending on contexts, "hold someone" has various other meanings than "hug someone", such as:
- detain someone
- stop someone
- support someone
- seize someone

Thanks a lot, Glotynn.

What I meant about "hold" is "holding someone's body's part."

e.g. As a social worker, do you think you can hug or hold your clients?

Hi Elinor,

I see what you mean. In the sense of giving an embrace, I think "to hug someone" is just the same as "to hold someone". However, let's hear what other folks here may say.

Quote:
Here are some examples I dug from the web:
- Do you hug your clients? I generally don't hug my clients unless they want a hug.
- You don’t have to hug your clients but when someone walks in the door, you should look like you want to hug them; they should feel that kind of warmth in your greeting.
- Well, hug your clients or someone else will.

Uncle glot,I will hug you.

Hey, Kathy, I'll look forward to it loh, and don't forget that when you see me next.

haha, brother glot

and you will get "A bear hug" from me!

I think when you use "hug" and "hold" with the same meaning of embracing, "hold" tends to imply a longer embrace.

Thank you all so much!! Hope I will give you all a big hug when I see you.