# embrace

> English word · Verb · IPA /ɛmˈbɹes/ · frequency rank #5,494

## Definitions
1. To clasp (someone or each other) in the arms with affection; to take in the arms; to hug.
2. To seize (something) eagerly or with alacrity; to accept or take up with cordiality; to welcome.
3. To submit to; to undergo.
4. To encircle; to enclose, to encompass.
5. To enfold, to include (ideas, principles, etc.); to encompass.
6. To fasten on, as armour.
7. To accept (someone) as a friend; to accept (someone's) help gladly.
8. To attempt to influence (a court, jury, etc.) corruptly; to practise embracery.

## Etymology
The verb is derived from Middle English embracen (“to clasp in one's arms, embrace; to reach out eagerly for, welcome; to enfold, entwine; to ensnare, entangle; to twist, wrap around; to gird, put on; to lace; to be in or put into bonds; to put a shield on the arm; to grasp (a shield or spear); to acquire, take hold of; to receive; to undertake; to affect, influence; to incite; to unlawfully influence a jury; to surround; to conceal, cover; to shelter; to protect; to comfort; to comprehend, understand”) [and other forms], from Old French embracer, embracier (“to kiss”) (modern French embrasser (“to kiss; (dated) to embrace, hug”)), from Late Latin *imbracchiāre, from in- (prefix meaning ‘in, inside, within’)) + bracchium (“arm”). The English word is analysable as em- + brace. The noun is derived from the verb.

## Easily confused with
- **emirate** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/embrace-vs-emirate)
- **embraced** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/embrace-vs-embraced)
- **embraces** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/embrace-vs-embraces)

## Common misspellings (10)
`ebmrace`, `embarce`, `embbrace`, `embracce`, `embraec`, `embrcae`, `embrrace`, `emmbrace`, `emrbace`, `mebrace`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/embrace