The word "embrace" refers to holding someone closely in one's arms, typically as a sign of affection. It can also mean to accept or support a belief, idea, or change willingly or enthusiastically. In a broader sense, it embodies the idea of welcoming something with open arms, both physically and metaphorically.
The word "embrace" comes from the Old French "embracer," which means "to clasp in the arms," and is derived from the Latin "amplexari," meaning "to clasp." The prefix "em-" indicates a movement or action "in," and "brace" relates to "to hold" or "to clasp."