embrace (n.)

  1. the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)

    [ Syn: embracing , embracement ]

  2. the state of taking in or encircling; an island in the embrace of the sea'

  3. a close affectionate and protective acceptance; his willing embrace of new ideas; in the bosom of the family

    [ Syn: bosom ]

    embrace (v.)

  1. include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as ones sphere or territory; This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds; this should cover everyone in the group

    [ Syn: encompass , comprehend , cover ]

  2. squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness; Hug me, please; They embraced; He hugged her close to him

    [ Syn: hug , bosom , squeeze ]

  3. take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as ones own; She embraced Catholicism; They adopted the Jewish faith

    [ Syn: espouse , adopt , sweep up ]

The dictionary is based on the WordNet Electronic Lexical Database.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2011 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.