Meanings
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1
verb
To hold someone closely in your arms to show affection; to hug.
She embraced her son warmly before he left for school.
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2
verb
To eagerly accept or welcome an idea, opportunity, or change.
The company was quick to embrace the new technology.
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3
noun
The act of holding someone closely in your arms; a hug.
They held each other in a long embrace at the airport.
Thesaurus
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 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…
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