Added 9 October 2026
embrace
/ɛmˈbɹes/ noun
In Latin: amplector Wiktionary
noun Definition from WordNet 3.1, Princeton University. Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about embrace at Wordnik → Where our words come from →
- The act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection).
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The state of taking in or encircling.
an island in the embrace of the sea
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A close affectionate and protective acceptance.
his willing embrace of new ideas
verb
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Include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory.
This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
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Hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness.
Hug me, please
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Take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own.
She embraced Catholicism
Origin
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,.
From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)