embrace

¹ American  

[em-breys] / ɛmˈbreɪs /

verb (used with object)

embraced, embracing

1. to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.

2. to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly.

   to embrace an idea.

   Synonyms:

   welcome, espouse, adopt

3. to avail oneself of.

   to embrace an opportunity.

   Synonyms:

   seize

4. to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.).

   to embrace Buddhism.

5. to take in with the eye or the mind.

6. to encircle; surround; enclose.

   a secret garden embraced by wild shrubs.

7. to include or contain.

   An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.

   Synonyms:

   embody, cover, comprise

   Antonyms:

   exclude

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verb (used without object)

embraced, embracing

1. to join in an embrace.

noun

1. an act or instance of embracing.

embrace ² American  

[em-breys] / ɛmˈbreɪs /

verb (used with object)

Law.

embraced, embracing

1. to attempt to influence (a judge or jury) through corrupt means.

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embrace ¹ British  

/ ɪmˈbreɪs /

verb

1. (also intr) (of a person) to take or clasp (another person) in the arms, or (of two people) to clasp each other, as in affection, greeting, etc; hug

2. to accept (an opportunity, challenge, etc) willingly or eagerly

3. to take up (a new idea, faith, etc); adopt

   to embrace Judaism

4. to comprise or include as an integral part

   geology embraces the science of mineralogy

5. to encircle or enclose

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noun

1. the act of embracing

2. euphemistic (often plural) sexual intercourse

embrace ² British  

/ ɪmˈbreɪs /

verb

1. (tr) criminal law to commit or attempt to commit embracery against (a jury, etc)

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Related Words

See include.

Other Word Forms

• embraceable adjective
• embracement noun
• embracer noun
• unembraceable adjective

Etymology

Origin of embrace¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Anglo-French, Old French embracier, equivalent to em- em- ¹ + bracier “to embrace,” derivative of brace “the two arms”; brace

Origin of embrace²

First recorded in 1420–1475; late Middle English: “to influence, prejudice, bribe (a jury),” perhaps the same word as embrace ¹

Example Sentences

Amorim often appeared rattled by criticism from former United players, but Fletcher believes managers have to embrace such scrutiny at "the biggest club in the world".

From Barron's

But a growing contingent of judges are increasingly embracing AI to help them draft opinions, analyze court filings and quickly conduct legal research.

From The Wall Street Journal

Does DiGesu think people have embraced the music because it reflects the times we live in?

From BBC

Born in Pontycymer, she embodied the "Swinging Sixties", embracing it with flamboyance and unique style.

From BBC

“Just want to say I’m super grateful to Baltimore, the organization and the city, just how they embraced me this year has been incredible,” he said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accept
• adopt
• embody
• espouse
• have
• receive
• take advantage of
• take up
• welcome