Embrace; the act of clasping or folding the arms, typically around someone or something. The term denotes a physical gesture of wrapping one's arms around, as in an embrace, often conveying affection, greeting, comfort, or familial connection. In contexts referring to the 'folding of hands,' it carries a metaphorical sense of idleness or rest.

Etymology From the root חבק, meaning 'to embrace, hold closely.' חִבֻּק is a nominal form denoting the act or result of embracing. The word is built from the root with the nominal pattern typically expressing an action or result.

Reflexes  · not yet grouped by proto-form

LanguageWordMeaningSegmentationRoot
Kikuyu gũkũmbatia to embrace, hug -mbat-
Kinyarwanda kugumbatira to embrace, hug -mbat-
Kirundi kugumbatira to embrace, hug -mbat-
Swahili kumbatia to embrace, hug mbat