embrace

Meanings

Verb

• 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.

Noun

• 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.

Origin

• The verb is derived from Middle English embracen, from Old French embracer, embracier (modern French embrasser), from Late Latin *imbracchiāre, from in-) + bracchium. The English word is analysable as em- + brace.
• The noun is derived from the verb.