verb

hold (someone) closely in one’s arms, especially as a sign of affection.

Aunt Sophie embraced her warmly

hug,take/hold in one’s arms,hold,cuddle,clasp to one’s bosom,clasp,squeeze,clutch,seize,grab,nuzzle,caress,enfold,enclasp,encircle,enclose,envelop,entwine oneself around,canoodle,smooch,embosom

noun

an act of holding someone closely in one’s arms.

they were locked in an embrace

hug,cuddle,squeeze,clasp,hold,clutch,clinch,nuzzle,caress,bear hug,necking session