Main Entry: ¹em·brace

Pronunciation: \im-ˈbrās\

Function: verb

Inflected Form(s): em·braced; em·brac·ing

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

— embrace·able \-ˈbrā-sə-bəl\ adjective

— em·brace·ment \-ˈbrās-mənt\ noun

— em·brac·er noun

— em·brac·ing·ly \-ˈbrā-siŋ-lē\ adverb