embrace
1 Americanverb (used with object)
-
to take or clasp in the arms; press to the bosom; hug.
-
to take or receive gladly or eagerly; accept willingly.
to embrace an idea.
-
to avail oneself of.
to embrace an opportunity.
- Synonyms:
- seize
-
to adopt (a profession, a religion, etc.).
to embrace Buddhism.
-
to take in with the eye or the mind.
-
to encircle; surround; enclose.
a secret garden embraced by wild shrubs.
-
to include or contain.
An encyclopedia embraces a great number of subjects.
- Antonyms:
- exclude
verb (used without object)
noun
-
embraces
plural
verb (used with object)
verb
-
(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
-
to accept (an opportunity, challenge, etc) willingly or eagerly
-
to take up (a new idea, faith, etc); adopt
to embrace Judaism
-
to comprise or include as an integral part
geology embraces the science of mineralogy
-
to encircle or enclose
noun
-
the act of embracing
-
euphemistic (often plural) sexual intercourse
verb
Synonym Usage
See include.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
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”; see 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
Explanation
To embrace something is to welcome it with open arms, hold, hug, accept completely. You might embrace your sweetheart, or even changes in technology. Embrace is from the French verb embrasser, which started out meaning "to clasp in the arms" (but now includes kissing). You embrace someone by giving her a giant hug, and when you embrace a new idea, it's like your brain gives it a hug. The noun and verb form are similar: If you embrace someone who isn't your sweetheart, you might get caught in an embrace. In Henry IV, Shakespeare writes about a really, really tight embrace: "I will embrace him with a soldier's arm/That he shall shrink under my courtesy."
Vocabulary lists containing embrace
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"Of Mice and Men"
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
Normal protocols were suspended as supporters rushed to gather around and embrace her.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Nov. 1, 2026
An AFP journalist saw the residents, some draped in Ukrainian flags, disembark from buses and tearfully embrace their loved ones.
From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026
After an emotional embrace, Palii described a glimpse of life in Oleshky, although he said he had, until then, kept many of the details from his family.
From BBC ● Oct. 31, 2026
“Lean into the historic moment, embrace the excitement and let Atlanta show up for Atlanta,” he wrote.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 28, 2026
Clare had just begun to sink into its embrace, grateful for a place to rest his weary mind, when he was jolted into reality by a knock.
From "The Undead Fox of Deadwood Forest" by Aubrey Hartman
Fans adore that “it’s all-encompassing—it embraces so many of the other art forms, not just music but also poetry, drama, painting” and more, said Antony Feeny, who runs the site Operanomics.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026
In Britain, the charismatic Todd embraces his special envoy status with verve even as he suspects he’s out of his depth.
From Salon ● Oct. 22, 2026
But she now embraces her turn as the machine’s biggest sellout — whether it’s a true change of heart or a chameleonic self-serving measure as critics maintain remains to be seen.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 14, 2026
The kitchen, meanwhile, embraces classic New York City style with dark wood cabinetry, ample storage, and modern appliances.
From MarketWatch ● Sep. 28, 2026
I remember dreaming of Mama, of days of songs and long embraces and love.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
Hilton, a former Fox News commentator and political advisor to British Prime Minister David Cameron, has embraced his underdog status.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 1, 2026
Rather than engage in a diplomatic spat, Visit Norway embraced the president’s characterization, promoting restrooms that include the award-winning Stegastein viewpoint toilet overlooking Aurlandsfjord and the triangular Golden Toilet on Senja Island.
From Salon ● Oct. 31, 2026
He said his father, a keen footballer who spent his life working at the Alcan aluminium factory in Newport, particularly embraced something that was so new to him.
From BBC ● Oct. 30, 2026
U.S. banks have embraced the AI boom, citing it as a driving force in lending growth.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
“Thank goodness you are here,” she whispered in Penelope’s ear as they embraced.
From "The Interrupted Tale" by Maryrose Wood
AFP saw Paliy, her mother and sister embracing Paliy's father in a circle.
From Barron's ● Oct. 31, 2026
“Of thinking beyond ourselves, our immediate desires and thirst for gratification, and embracing our differences as strengths. It was a lovely illusion.”
From Salon ● Oct. 30, 2026
Top producers are featuring it, foodies are championing it and younger drinkers are embracing its balance and relative affordability.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 28, 2026
Crumbl has reached customers by embracing third-party delivery and establishing celebrity partnerships with big names, including Kendall Jenner and Olivia Rodrigo.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 23, 2026
Angela looked back at the embracing couple; her father's face was buried in her weeping mother's tousled hair.
From "The Westing Game" by Ellen Raskin
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
