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étreindre

to embrace, to clasp

verb eh-TRAN-druh Rare

Also means

to grip, to seize

Usage Note

Étreindre describes a tight, emotional embrace rather than a casual hug; its noun étreinte (grip, embrace) carries the same intensity. It belongs to the -eindre conjugation group (like peindre, teindre). Used figuratively, fear or anguish can étreindre the heart.

Examples

"Elle l'a étreint avant de partir."

Natural Translation

She embraced him before leaving.

Literal Translation

She him embraced before leaving.

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