Entry Word: embrace

Function: verb

Meaning: 1 to put oneʼs arms around and press tightly <upon being finally reunited, the overjoyed father embraced his son>

Synonyms clasp, enfold, grasp, hug

Related Words cling, cradle, grab, grip, hold; embosom, encircle, entwine, envelop; fold, lock, twine, wrap; cuddle, fondle, nestle, nuzzle, pat, pet, snuggle, stroke

2 to surround or cover closely <the stone walls that embrace the monastery serve to symbolize its function as a retreat from an unquiet world> — see enfold 1
3 to take for oneʼs own use (something originated by another) <rap music came to be embraced by people who were far removed from the inner cities where it originated> — see adopt
4 receive or accept gladly or readily <the exchange student was gratified to be so quickly embraced by people of the small rural community> — see welcome
5 to have as part of a whole <a course in social studies can embrace everything from sociology to civics and economics> — see include