embracing

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.

Autoplay Next

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

433 1.0

A tight hold with the arms to show care

describes the same close holding used for greeting or comfort

embrace

vsembracing

61 3.3

A close hug that shows affection and comfort

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

snuggle

vsembracing

Informal

12 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

9 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

3 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

hugging

vsembracing

2 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

embracement

vsembracing

1 4.7

Holding someone in your arms to show affection

is the common word for the same physical act

abrazo

vsembracing

1 8.2

A warm hug people give to show affection

is the neutral English phrase for the same greeting hold

Antonyms

to release

∞ 1.8

To let someone or something go free from being held

to withdraw

466 2.8

To stop taking part in a place or activity

How Affectionate

bear hug

9 3.0

squeeze

Informal

10 2.0

embracing

2.5

hug

433 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.