embrace, hug, hold in arms
抱 centers on holding something close to the body: embracing, hugging, or cradling in the arms.
抱 combines 扌 (hand) with 包, which likely contributes the sound and the idea of wrapping or enclosing, suggesting holding something in the hands.
The hand 扌 wraps around 包, like arms wrapping around a bundle. Picture a person holding a wrapped package close to their chest.
For ホウ, imagine a warm hug that makes you say 'hoo' in comfort: hoo -> ホウ, and the arms embrace tightly.
to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to hug
to hold in one's arms (e.g. a baby); to embrace; to hug
armful
to hold in one's arms; to carry in one's arms; to carry under one's arm; to hold (one's head) in one's hands
carrying in one's arms (a baby, pet, doll, etc.); holding
patience; endurance; perseverance
embrace; hug; holding in one's arms
nursing; looking after
to hug (someone) tight; to embrace; to give (someone) a tight hug; to cuddle
aspiration; ambition; plan; hopes; wishes
tie-in; package deal
personal (employee); employed; retained
to embrace each other
to hold a thing in one's arms; to carry in one's arms; to embrace (e.g. a baby)
to cling to; to embrace; to throw one's arms around
laughing oneself into convulsions; splitting one's sides laughing; rolling with laughter
incubation
to hold up in one's arms
Asunaro hug; hug from behind
relying completely on others; being totally dependent on others