adverb
Describes holding, pressing, or fixing something firmly and tightly, often with a sense of strong pressure or closeness.
彼女は私の手をひしと握った。
She tightly grasped my hand.
子供は母親にひしと抱きついた。
The child clung tightly to their mother.
adverb
Used for a sharp, keen sensation or feeling, often emotional or sensory, such as a piercing cold or a strong impression.
寒さがひしと身にしみた。
The cold pierced me sharply.
彼の言葉がひしと胸にこたえた。
His words struck me keenly.
The origin is uncertain; it is a native Japanese adverb. The kanji forms 犇と and 緊と are rare and likely chosen for their semantic association with crowding or tightness.