abrazo

American  

[ah-brah-thaw, -saw, uh-brah-soh] / ɑˈbrɑ θɔ, -sɔ, əˈbrɑ soʊ /

noun

Spanish.

• abrazos
  plural

1. an embrace, used in greeting someone.

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Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

• abrazos
  plural

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Etymology

Origin of abrazo

First recorded in 1625–35; derivative of abrazar “to embrace,” equivalent to a- (from Latin ad-; see ad- ( def. ). ) + brazo “arm” (from Latin bracchium ; see brace ( def. ))

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Explanation

Different cultures often have different ways of greeting people. In Spain and Latin America, one way to say hello is with an abrazo, or embrace. Where some cultures use a handshake or bow to say hello, Spanish and Latin American cultures have the abrazo, a hug. Each culture has its own form of the abrazo. In Mexico, an abrazo may follow a handshake and be accompanied by a pat on the back. In Spain, an abrazo is commonly coupled with a light kiss on both cheeks. The abrazo is usually a show of affection and close social bonds, rather than a formal introduction.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

abrazo abrazos

This dance born in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and Montevideo is about intimacy, touch and the closeness of the abrazo, or embrace.

From New York Times ● Oct. 15, 2021

“Ay, que me abrazo ay” is one of Savall’s many signature pieces, and he performed and recorded in different guises, usually with swinging brass.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 3, 2020

Arriving at the rain-drenched airport near La Paz, a quiet resort in Southern Baja California, Reagan shook hands with De la Madrid and then positioned himself to receive a Mexican abrazo.

From Time Magazine Archive

As the long rifles of the Russian-built tanks barked their welcome, the bearded Cuban gave the slim Algerian rebel a mighty abrazo and then led him to the microphones.

From Time Magazine Archive

He gave his old business partner un abrazo, addressing him as compadre even though neither one was godparent to the other’s children.

From "In the Time of the Butterflies" by Julia Alvarez

With Sally’s help, he came to the patio table and greeted us with abrazos.

From The New Yorker ● Oct. 25, 2014

Argentine authorities ordered strict curfews, and the tango, a dance of abrazos — embraces — doesn’t lend itself to social distancing.

From Washington Post

In and out of the White House, the President was trading quips with visitors, tugging elbows, wading into crowds for handshaking and abrazos.

From Time Magazine Archive

“I had no contact with any other man than my husband, and I certainly did not do abrazos with anyone,” she said.

From Washington Post

Later the adults kissed Grandpa, giving him gentle abrazos so as not to cave in his eggshell chest.

From "The Milagro Beanfield War" by John Nichols

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