embrace Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
embracement; embracing.
noun the state of taking in or encircling
- an island in the embrace of the sea
noun a close affectionate and protective acceptance
bosom.
- his willing embrace of new ideas
- in the bosom of the family
verb include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
cover; encompass; comprehend.
- This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds
- this should cover everyone in the group
verb squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
squeeze; hug; bosom.
- Hug me, please
- They embraced
- He hugged her close to him
verb take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own
sweep up; adopt; espouse.
- She embraced Catholicism
- They adopted the Jewish faith

Pref. em- (intens.) + brace, v. t.

OE. embracier, F. embrasser; pref. em- (L. in) + F. bras arm. See Brace, n.

imperfect & past participle Embraced ; present participle & verbal noun Embracing

To clasp in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
I will embrace him with a soldier's arm, That he shall shrink under my courtesy. Shak.

Paul called unto him the disciples, and embraced them. Acts xx. 1.
To cling to; to cherish; to love. Shak.
To seize eagerly, or with alacrity; to accept with cordiality; to welcome. "I embrace these conditions." "You embrace the occasion." Shak.
What is there that he may not embrace for truth? Locke.
To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.
Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed, Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham.
To include as parts of a whole; to comprehend; to take in; as, natural philosophy embraces many sciences.
Not that my song, in such a scanty space, So large a subject fully can embrace. Dryden.
To accept; to undergo; to submit to. "I embrace this fortune patiently." Shak.
(Law) To attempt to influence corruptly, as a jury or court. Blackstone. Syn. -- To clasp; hug; inclose; encompass; include; omprise; comprehend; contain; involve; impl

Intimate or close encircling with the arms; pressure to the bosom; clasp; hug.
We stood tranced in long embraces, Mixed with kisses. Tennyson.