To come close to or snuggle up to someone or something; to stay close emotionally or physically and offer comfort or support.
子どもが夜、母親に寄り添って眠った。
The child snuggled up to his mother and fell asleep at night.
彼女は悲しむ友人にそっと寄り添った。
She quietly stayed close to her grieving friend.
猫が膝の上に寄り添って丸くなっている。
A cat is curled up, snuggled on my lap.
介護では、ただそばに寄り添うことが大切だと言われる。
In caregiving, people say it's important to simply be there beside someone.