embrace English · revision 7163
16 Oct 2026, 13:18 by bogdan “en10k b0295: tier … inter” current version
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+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=borrowing|attested=c. 1350|origins=la bracchium}}
+
+ ==Pronunciation==
+ * IPA: /ɛmˈbɹeɪs/, /ɪmˈbɹeɪs/^(Wiktionary)
+
+ ==Etymology==
+ It is Middle English enbracen, [[bor|fro|embracier|t=to clasp in the arms, enclose]],^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline)^(MWU 2024) from [[m|fro|en-|t=in]] and brace, braz, the arms (see [[brace]]),^(Barnhart 1988)^(Etymonline) from Latin [[m|la|bracchium|t=arm]].^(Etymonline)^(Hoad 1986)^(NODE 1998)
+
+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==
+ To encircle or surround: about 1350 in Barnhart;^(Barnhart 1988)^(NODE 1998) to clasp in the arms, the mid-14th century in Etymonline.^(Etymonline)
+
+ ==Semantic evolution==
+ To fold in the arms, hug, is first recorded about 1385, in Chaucer.^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) It replaced Old English clyppan and fæðm.^(Etymonline) To accept gladly, as an idea or opportunity, is from the 14th century,^(Hoad 1986) and to comprise or include from the 17th century.^(Hoad 1986) The sexual sense is from the 1590s.^(Etymonline) The noun, a hug, is from 1592, in ''Romeo and Juliet'';^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989) in Middle English the noun embrace meant bribery.^(Etymonline)
+
+ ==Timeline==
+ * c. 1350 – to encircle.^(Barnhart 1988)
+ * c. 1385 – to hug.^(Barnhart 1988)
+ * 1592 – a hug (noun).^(Barnhart 1988)^(OED 1989)
+ * 17th century – to include.^(Hoad 1986)
+
+ ==Modern meaning==
+ ===Verb===
+ # To hold closely in one's arms, especially as a sign of affection; to [[hug]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)
+ # To accept or support willingly and eagerly: ''embrace change''.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)
+ # To include or contain.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)
+
+ ===Noun===
+ # An act of holding someone in one's arms.^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)
+
+ ==Word family==
+ * [[embraceable]]
+ * [[embracement]]
+ * [[embracer]]
+ * [[embracingly]]
+ * [[unembraced]]
+ * [[embraceor]]
+ * [[all-embracing]]
+ * [[embracery]]
+
+ ==Related words==
+ * [[brace]]
+ * [[bracelet]]
+ * [[embrasure]]
+
+ ==References==
+ {{reflist}}