embrace

1
[ em-breys ]
/ ɛmˈbreɪs /
SEE 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.

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

OTHER WORDS FROM embrace

em·brace·a·ble, adjective em·brace·ment, noun em·brac·er, noun un·em·brace·a·ble, adjective

Words nearby embrace

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

Words related to embracement

hug, clutch, cuddle, caress, hold, squeeze, snuggle

British Dictionary definitions for embracement (1 of 2)

embrace 1
/ (ɪmˈbreɪs) /

verb (mainly tr)

noun

the act of embracing
(often plural) euphemistic sexual intercourse

Derived forms of embrace

embraceable, adjective embracement, noun embracer, 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 embracement (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