embracing

1 2.5

A close hug made by putting your arms around someone to show affection

noun
/ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/

: abrazo

The embracing of friends at reunions often symbolizes joy and affection.

We hold each other and keep each other in time by marching, singing, embracing, breathing.

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Examples

A time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing.
We hold each other and keep each other in time by marching, singing, embracing, breathing.

Harvard University
A few light kisses, a few embraces reaching around of arms.
130 Dower, Embracing Defeat, p. 39. 131

Academic text (2010)
A caramel popcorn, childhood butter, a mother's loving embrace, a German shepherd in the backyard?
After a long separation, they shared a warm embracing that brought tears to their eyes.
She welcomed her guests with a friendly embracing that made everyone feel at home.

Synonyms

hug

vsembracing

489 1.0

A tight hold with the arms to show care

describes the same close holding used for greeting or comfort

embrace

vsembracing

65 3.3

A close hug that shows affection and comfort

is limited to the literal act of holding someone in the arms

hugging

vsembracing

32 1.0

An act of holding someone close to show love or friendship

focuses on the same close contact but often as an informal or playful act

snuggle

vsembracing

Informal

14 2.1

A warm, close hug with a person or pet to show affection

is the same arm contact but usually shorter or more upright

cuddling

vsembracing

13 1.0

Holding someone close in your arms to feel warm and safe

emphasizes stronger or firmer holding rather than gentle comfort

snuggling

vsembracing

Informal

5 2.8

Lying or sitting close to someone to feel warm and safe

is the same close holding but not limited to sitting or lying positions

abrazo

vsembracing

1 8.2

A warm hug people give to show affection

is the neutral English phrase for the same greeting hold

embracement

vsembracing

1 4.7

Holding someone in your arms to show affection

is the common word for the same physical act

Antonyms

to release

∞ 1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

to withdraw

311 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

How Affectionate

bear hug

12 3.0

squeeze

Informal

2 2.0

embracing

1 2.5

hug

489 1.0

Surface Forms

embracing singular

embracings plural

Morphology

embracing = embrace (transparent) = embrace + ing

This is a standard -ing nominalization from the verb 'embrace', meaning the act of embracing.

Etymology

Embracing breaks into em- meaning 'in' and brace meaning 'arm', the same root as in bracelet, a band for the arm. So, to embrace someone is to hold them 'in your arms', which is why embracing means holding someone closely.