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étreinte

embrace, hug

noun eh-TRENT Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Also means

grip, clasp

Usage Note

Étreinte conveys a warmer, more emotional register than the everyday câlin; it often describes a tight, heartfelt embrace at moments of reunion or farewell. The verb étreindre means 'to clasp' or 'to hug tightly'. Une étreinte can also describe a figurative grip, as in anxiety 'gripping' the chest.

Examples

"Ils se serrèrent dans une longue étreinte."

Natural Translation

They held each other in a long embrace.

Literal Translation

They tightened themselves in a long embrace.

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