Meaning

noun the act of clasping another person in the arms (as in greeting or affection)

noun the state of taking in or encircling

noun a close affectionate and protective acceptance

originThe verb is derived from Middle English embracen (“to clasp in one's arms, embrace; to reach out eagerly for, welcome; to enfold, entwine; to ensnare, entangle; to twist, wrap around; to gird, put on; to lace; to be in or put into bonds; to put a shield on the arm; to grasp (a shield or spear); to acquire, take hold of; to receive; to undertake; to affect, influence; to incite; to unlawfully…

Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 3.0