Hold in some affection (3)

I believe the answer is:

hug

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'hold' is the definition.
(I know that hug is a type of embrace)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for hug that I've seen before include "Tightly embrace" , "Embrace (like a bear?)" , "Embrace closely" , "Clasp" , "Cuddle" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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