noun: The act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
ETYMOLOGY: mid-14c., from O.Fr. embracer (12c., Mod.Fr. embrasser) "clasp in the arms, enclose; covet, handle, cope with," from en- "in" (see en- (1)) + brace, braz "the arms," from L. bracchium (neut. pl. brachia); see brace (n.). Related: Embraced; embracing; embraceable. Replaced O.E. clyppan, also fæðm. As a noun, from 1590s.
USAGE: I embraced my son before leaving.
SYNONYMS: bear hug, clasp, clinch, cling, clutch, cradle, cuddle, encircle, enfold, entwine, envelop, fold, fondle, grab, grasp, grip, hug, lock, nuzzle, press, seize, snuggle, squeeze, take in arms, wrap
ANTONYMS: let go, release
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