French Conversation · Level 147
30 words
French word
étreindre
Pronunciation
IPA/etʁɛ̃dʁ/
Meaning
- verbembrace
Example
Je veux étreindre ma mère.
I want to embrace my mother.
More examples
Avant de partir, elle a étreint son bébé.
Before leaving, she embraced her baby.
Core concept
A person is enclosed by arms in a firm, affectionate hold.
Common phrases
étreindre quelqu'un contre soi
hold someone close
étreindre son bébé
embrace one's baby
Similar words
prendre dans les bras: To hold someone in the arms.
faire un câlin: To give someone a gentle, affectionate hug.
câliner: To express affection by gently touching or embracing someone.
serrer: To pull someone into a tight embrace.
Definition in French
Entourer quelqu'un de ses bras et le serrer contre soi, exprimant un contact physique souvent affectueux.
Word origin
The French verb comes through Old French estreindre from Latin stringere, 'to tighten', whose sense broadened to include holding someone in an embrace.
Usage tips
- Étreindre has a more literary or formal tone than prendre dans les bras or faire un câlin in many everyday contexts.