embrace Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
    embracement; embracing.
  2. noun the state of taking in or encircling
    • an island in the embrace of the sea
  3. noun a close affectionate and protective acceptance
    bosom.
    • his willing embrace of new ideas
    • in the bosom of the family
  4. 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
  5. verb squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
    squeeze; hug; bosom.
    • Hug me, please
    • They embraced
    • He hugged her close to him
  6. 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

WordNet


Em*brace" transitive verb
Etymology
Pref. em- (intens.) + brace, v. t.
Definitions
  1. To fasten on, as armor. Obs. Spenser.
Em*brace" transitive verb
Etymology
OE. embracier, F. embrasser; pref. em- (L. in) + F. bras arm. See Brace, n.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Embraced ; present participle & verbal noun Embracing
Definitions
  1. 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.
  2. To cling to; to cherish; to love. Shak.
  3. 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.
  4. To encircle; to encompass; to inclose.
    Low at his feet a spacious plain is placed, Between the mountain and the stream embraced. Denham.
  5. 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.
  6. To accept; to undergo; to submit to. "I embrace this fortune patiently." Shak.
  7. (Law) To attempt to influence corruptly, as a jury or court. Blackstone. Syn. -- To clasp; hug; inclose; encompass; include; omprise; comprehend; contain; involve; impl
Em*brace" intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To join in an embrace.
Em*brace" noun
Definitions
  1. Intimate or close encircling with the arms; pressure to the bosom; clasp; hug.
    We stood tranced in long embraces, Mixed with kisses. Tennyson.

Webster 1913