Embracing

em·brace  (m-brs)

v. em·braced, em·brac·ing, em·brac·es

v.tr.

1. To clasp or hold close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection.

2.

a. To surround; enclose: We allowed the warm water to embrace us.

b. To twine around: a trellis that was embraced by vines.

3. To include as part of something broader. See Synonyms at include.

4. To take up willingly or eagerly: embrace a social cause.

5. To avail oneself of: "I only regret, in my chilled age, certain occasions and possibilities I didn't embrace" (Henry James).

v.intr.

To join in an embrace.

n.

1. An act of holding close with the arms, usually as an expression of affection; a hug.

2. An enclosure or encirclement: caught in the jungle's embrace.

3. Eager acceptance: your embrace of Catholicism.

---

[Middle English embracen, from Old French embracer : en-, in; see en-¹ + brace, the two arms; see brace.]

---

em·bracea·ble adj.

em·bracement n.

---

Embracing of carvers: 15th century.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

embracing - the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection) embrace, embracement cuddle, nestle, snuggle - a close and affectionate (and often prolonged) embrace hug, clinch, squeeze - a tight or amorous embrace; "come here and give me a big hug" clutch, clutches, grip, hold, clasp, clench, grasp - the act of grasping; "he released his clasp on my arm"; "he has a strong grip for an old man"; "she kept a firm hold on the railing"