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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