definitions

embrace

1
[ em-breys ]
/ ɛmˈbreɪs /
||
SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR embrace ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), em·braced, em·brac·ing.

verb (used without object), em·braced, em·brac·ing.

to join in an embrace.

noun

an act or instance of embracing.

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RELATED WORDS

grasp, adopt, receive, welcome, accept, have, espouse, embody, nuzzle, lock, clinch, fold, wrap, fondle, cradle, cling, entwine, snuggle, grip, encircle

Nearby words

embow, embowed, embowel, embower, emboîté, embrace, embraceor, embracery, embracive, embranchment, embrangle

Origin of embrace

1
1300–50; Middle English < Anglo-French, Old French embracier, equivalent to em- em-1 + bracier to embrace, derivative of brace the two arms; see brace
Related formsem·brace·a·ble, adjectiveem·brace·ment, nounem·brac·er, nounun·em·brace·a·ble, adjective

Definition for embracing (2 of 2)

embrace

2
[ em-breys ]
/ ɛmˈbreɪs /

verb (used with object), em·braced, em·brac·ing. Law.

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

Origin of embrace

2
1400–1450; late Middle English: to influence, prejudice, bribe (a jury), perhaps the same word as embrace1, influenced by embrasen to set on fire (< Middle French embraser; see em-1, braise)
Related formsem·brac·er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for embracing

British Dictionary definitions for embracing (1 of 2)

embrace

1
/ (ɪmˈbreɪs) /

verb (mainly tr)

noun

the act of embracing
(often plural) euphemistic sexual intercourse
Derived Formsembraceable, adjectiveembracement, nounembracer, noun

Word Origin for embrace

C14: from Old French embracier, from em- + brace a pair of arms, from Latin bracchia arms

British Dictionary definitions for embracing (2 of 2)

embrace

2
/ (ɪmˈbreɪs) /

verb

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

Word Origin for embrace

C15: back formation from embraceor
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012