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Glite Dictionary
embracing

embracing

2.5
A close hug made by putting your arms around someone to show affection
  • noun
  • /ɪmˈbreɪsɪŋ/
translation icon : 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
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.