embrace
Meanings
- To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
- To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
- To submit to; to undergo.
- To encircle; to enclose, to encompass.
- To enfold, to include (ideas, principles, etc.); to encompass.
- To fasten on, as armour.
- To accept (someone) as a friend; to accept (someone's) help gladly.
- To attempt to influence (a court, jury, etc.) corruptly; to practise embracery.
- An act of putting arms around someone and bringing the person close to the chest; a hug.
- An enclosure partially or fully surrounding someone or something.
- Full acceptance (of something).
- An act of enfolding or including.
Pronunciation
Word forms
Etymology
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.