1. (

• embrace ,
• encompass ,
• comprehend ,
• cover ,

) 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" ;

2. (

• embrace ,
• hug ,
• bosom ,
• squeeze ,

) hold (someone) tightly in your arms, usually with fondness; "Hug me, please"; "They embraced"; "He hugged her close to him" ;

3. (

• espouse ,
• embrace ,
• adopt ,
• sweep_up

) take up the cause, ideology, practice, method, of someone and use it as one's own; "She embraced Catholicism"; "They adopted the Jewish faith" ;