embrace
Forms
- present (v1)
- embrace
- past (v2)
- embraced
- past participle (v3)
- embraced
- present participle
- embracing
- 3rd person singular
- embraces
- Plural
- embraces
Definitions
1.To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
- We embrace to be embraced. We embrace our children to be folded in the arms of the future, to pass ourselves beyond death, to be transported. That is how it was when I embraced you, always.
2.To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
- I wholeheartedly embrace the new legislation.
- Then she thought how, now, she would embrace again the faith she had abandoned, and walk again in the light from which, with Richard, she had so far fled.
3.To submit to; to undergo.
4.To encircle; to enclose, to encompass.
1.An act of putting arms around someone and bringing the person close to the chest; a hug.
2.An enclosure partially or fully surrounding someone or something.
- We were now within the embrace of a broad bay flanked on either hand by a low promontory.
- When he reached the ridge the outlying fog crept across the summit, caught him in its embrace, and wrapped him from her gaze.
3.Full acceptance (of something).
4.An act of enfolding or including.
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #2504
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
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”).