embrace
UK[ɪmˈbreɪs]US[ɪmˈbreɪs]
v
to hold someone closely in one's arms as a sign of affection.
v
to accept or support a belief, theory, or change willingly and enthusiastically.
v
to include or contain something as part of a whole.
n
an act of holding someone closely in one's arms.
Morpheme Breakdown
em
brace
em
in
brace
arms
Etymology
The word 'embrace' entered English in the 14th century from the Old French 'embracer', itself a compound of the prefix 'en-' (from Latin 'in-', meaning 'in') and 'brace' (meaning 'the two arms'). The Latin root 'bracchium' for 'arm' is believed to be of Greek origin, from 'brakhīōn', also meaning 'arm'. The literal sense of 'taking into one's arms' formed the core meaning, which naturally extended metaphorically to signify 'accepting or including an idea or group willingly', as if drawing it close. This evolution from a physical act of encircling with the arms to an abstract act of intellectual or spiritual acceptance demonstrates a common pathway of semantic development.
Analysis
Structure: em (in) + brace (arms)
em- (prefix of Latin origin via French, meaning 'in, into, within'); brace (from Old French 'brace' meaning 'the two arms', from Latin 'bracchia', plural of 'bracchium' meaning 'arm').
Examples
she warmly embraced her long-lost friend.
the company was quick to embrace new technologies.
his report embraces a wide range of opinions on the matter.