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embrace

Pronunciation: /ɛmˈbɹes/

The English word “embrace” has 12 meanings listed here.

verb

  1. To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
  2. To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
  3. To submit to; to undergo.
  4. To encircle; to enclose, to encompass.
  5. To enfold, to include (ideas, principles, etc.); to encompass.
  6. To fasten on, as armour.
  7. To accept (someone) as a friend; to accept (someone's) help gladly.
  8. 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. An enclosure partially or fully surrounding someone or something.
  3. Full acceptance (of something).
  4. An act of enfolding or including.

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…

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.