embrasser

Embrasser is a French verb with senses centered on physical affection and figurative inclusion. Primarily, it means to kiss someone, but it can also mean to hug or to envelop someone in one’s arms. In addition to its literal uses, embrasser can be used figuratively to mean adopting or embracing a concept, idea, plan, or cause. The reflexive form se embrasser denotes two people kissing each other.

Etymology and form: The word comes from Old French embracier, formed with en- plus a root related to clasping or surrounding with the arms; the precise origin is a matter of linguistic inquiry. In modern French, embrasser is a regular -ER verb. The past participle is embrassé and is used with the auxiliary avoir in compound tenses. The verb also appears in the affixed reflexive form se embrasser for mutual kissing.

Usage and examples: In the present tense, typical forms are: j’embrasse, tu embrasses, il embrasse, nous embrassons, vous embrassez, ils embrassent. For example, j’embrasse mon ami sur la joue, or il embrasse sa bien-aimée. The passé composé is j’ai embrassé. The reflexive se embrasse is used for mutual kissing, as in ils se sont embrassés. Figuratively, one can say embrasser une idée or embrasser une cause to indicate acceptance or support.

Noun form and related terms: The action can also be expressed by the noun embrassade, meaning an embrace or hug. In some contexts, particularly casual speech, baiser remains a synonym for kiss, though it can carry vulgar or less formal connotations in modern usage.