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

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

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

Some Latin American experts regarded this friendly abrazo as naive and misguided.

From Time Magazine Archive

Others besides campesinos have experienced this unique presidential abrazo.

From Time Magazine Archive

My father shook their hands and gave each one the abrazo.

From "Bless Me, Ultima" by Rudolfo Anaya

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

From Jimmy, with abrazos Not since John F. Kennedy launched the Alliance for Progress in 1961 had Latin Americans seen anything quite like the attention they were getting from Washington last week.

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