embrace

I. verb (embraced; embracing) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French embracer, from en- + brace pair of arms — more at brace Date: 14th century transitive verb 1. a. to clasp in the arms ; hug b. cherish, love 2. encircle, enclose 3. a. to take up especially readily or gladly <

embrace a cause

> b. to avail oneself of ; welcome <

embraced the opportunity to study further

> 4. a. to take in or include as a part, item, or element of a more inclusive whole <

charity embraces all acts that contribute to human welfare

> b. to be equal or equivalent to <

his assets embraced $10

> intransitive verb to participate in an embrace Synonyms: see adopt, include • embraceable adjective • embracement noun • embracer noun • embracingly adverb II. noun Date: 1592 1. a close encircling with the arms and pressure to the chest especially as a sign of affection ; hug 2. grip, encirclement <

in the embrace of terror

> 3. acceptance <

her embrace of new ideas

>