abrazo

American  

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

noun

Spanish.

plural

abrazos

1. an embrace, used in greeting someone.

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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. ))

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

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

En un momento de la celebración, compartió un largo abrazo con Roberts, quien le dijo a Kershaw lo feliz que estaba por él.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 6, 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

"Thank you, Pope Francis. Un abrazo muy fuerte."

From Fox News • Dec. 31, 2018

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