embrace

Meaning

Verb

1. (transitive) To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
2. (figuratively, transitive) To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
3. (figuratively, transitive) To submit to; to undergo.
4. (also, figuratively, transitive) To encircle; to enclose, to encompass.
5. (figuratively, transitive) To enfold, to include (ideas, principles, etc.); to encompass.
6. (obsolete, rare, transitive) To fasten on, as armour.
7. (figuratively, obsolete, transitive) To accept (someone) as a friend; to accept (someone's) help gladly.
8. (figuratively, obsolete, transitive) To attempt to influence (a court, jury, etc.) corruptly; to practise embracery.

Noun

1. An act of putting arms around someone and bringing the person close to the chest; a hug.
2. (figuratively) An enclosure partially or fully surrounding someone or something.
3. (figuratively) Full acceptance (of something).
4. (figuratively) An act of enfolding or including.

Synonyms

hug

clasp

cuddle

include

hold

enfold

comprise

adopt

contain

caress

cover

fondle

grasp

embracing

bosom

squeeze

carry in the arms

encircle

enclose

entwine

carry

accept

🉑

take in

hold tight

cling to

surround

clinch

encompass

hold in one’s arms

embracement

pet

kiss

😗

hold in arms

grab

nestle

sweep up

wind round

clasping

assume

cherish

support

search for

seize

smooch

embosom

absorb

nuzzle

snuggle

intransigent

espouse

Translations

embrasser

abbracciare

abrazar

umarmen

abbraccio

Umarmung

abraçar

abrazo

étreinte

omarmen

étreindre

abraço

omhelzen

abraçar

αγκαλιάζω

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɛmˈbɹeɪs/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: embracen

Cognate with French: embrasser

In summary

The verb is derived from Middle English embracen (“to clasp in one's arms, embrace; to reach out eagerly for, welcome; to enfold, entwine; to ensnare, entangle; to twist, wrap around; to gird, put on; to lace; to be in or put into bonds; to put a shield on the arm; to grasp (a shield or spear); to acquire, take hold of; to receive; to undertake; to affect, influence; to incite; to unlawfully influence a jury; to surround; to conceal, cover; to shelter; to protect; to comfort; to comprehend, understand”) [and other forms], from Old French embracer, embracier (“to kiss”) (modern French embrasser (“to kiss; (dated) to embrace, hug”)), from Late Latin *imbracchiāre, from in- (prefix meaning ‘in, inside, within’)) + bracchium (“arm”). The English word is analysable as em- + brace. The noun is derived from the verb.

Sentences

Come , let me embrace you !