Present participle of embrace; holding someone closely in one's arms as a sign of affection. Also means accepting or supporting something willingly and enthusiastically.
From Old French 'embracier' from 'en-' (in) and 'brace' (arms), literally meaning to take in one's arms. The figurative sense of accepting ideas or beliefs developed in Middle English, extending the physical gesture to mental acceptance.
The word 'embrace' literally means 'in arms' and shares its root with 'bracelet'—both coming from the Latin 'brachium' for arm. This connection shows how jewelry was originally conceived as something that 'embraces' the wrist, making bracelets tiny metaphorical hugs.
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