Dictionary Home »
Dictionary Definitions » embrace
embrace
The definition of embrace is to hug, eagerly accept, or to be serious about starting something new.
(verb)- An example of embrace is when a mother hugs her child.
- An example of embrace is to be excited about a new job.
An embrace is defined as a hug.
(noun)An example of an embrace is two people with their arms wrapped around each other.
YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.
See embrace in Webster's New World College Dictionary
transitive verb embraced, embracing
- to clasp in the arms, usually as an expression of affection or desire; hug
- to accept readily; avail oneself of: to embrace an opportunity
- to take up or adopt, esp. eagerly or seriously: to embrace a new profession
- to encircle; surround; enclose: an isle embraced by the sea
- to include; contain: biology embraces botany and zoology
- to take in mentally; perceive: his glance embraced the scene
Origin: ME embracen < OFr embracier < VL *imbrachiare < L im-, in + brachium, an arm: see brace
intransitive verb
to clasp or hug each other in the arms
noun
an embracing; hug
Related Forms:
- embraceable adjective
- embracement noun
- embracer noun
See embrace in American Heritage Dictionary 4
verb em·braced, em·brac·ing, em·brac·es verb, transitive
- To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.
- a. To surround; enclose: We allowed the warm water to embrace us.b. To twine around: a trellis that was embraced by vines.
- To include as part of something broader. See Synonyms at include.
- To take up willingly or eagerly: embrace a social cause.
- To avail oneself of: “I only regret, in my chilled age, certain occasions and possibilities I didn't embrace” (Henry James).
To join in an embrace.
noun- An act of holding close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection; a hug.
- An enclosure or encirclement: caught in the jungle's embrace.
- Eager acceptance: your embrace of Catholicism.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English embracen
Origin: , from Old French embracer
Origin: : en-, in; see en-1
Origin: + brace, the two arms; see brace
.Related Forms:
- em·braceˈa·ble adjective
- em·braceˈment noun
Learn more about embrace
