embrasser

Senses

1. 1.

   to kiss

   to press one's lips against someone's lips or cheek as a sign of affection

2. 2.

   to embrace

   to hold someone closely in one's arms

3. 3.

   to adopt

   to take up or embrace an idea, belief, or ideology

4. 4.

   to encompass

   to include or contain within a scope or range

Examples

• "Elle l'a embrassé sur la joue."

  She kissed him on the cheek.

• "Il l'a embrassée tendrement."

  He embraced her tenderly.

• "Il a embrassé une carrière dans l'enseignement."

  He adopted a career in teaching.

Usage

Embrasser is a common verb with multiple related meanings. The context determines which sense applies: physical affection (kiss/embrace), or figurative adoption of a cause or idea. Note that *embrasser quelqu'un* can mean either kiss or embrace depending on context; the physical gesture is often ambiguous in French. Register is neutral and colloquial.