embrace in WordNet English dictionary

1. take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own
   "She embraced Catholicism"; "They adopted the Jewish faith"
   espouse  embrace  adopt  sweep up 
   
2. squeeze (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness
   "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her close to him"
   embrace  hug  bosom  squeeze 
   
3. include in scope; include as part of something broader; have as one's sphere or territory
   "This group encompasses a wide range of people from different backgrounds"; "this should cover everyone in the group"
   embrace  encompass  comprehend  cover 
   

1. a close affectionate and protective acceptance
   "his willing embrace of new ideas"; "in the bosom of the family"
   embrace  bosom 
   
2. the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)
   embrace  embracing  embracement 
   
3. the state of taking in or encircling
   "an island in the embrace of the sea"
   embrace