1To hold something or someone in one's arms, such as cradling luggage, a child, or part of one's own body.
彼女は大きな荷物を両手で抱えてバス停まで歩いた。
She carried a large bag in both arms and walked to the bus stop.
子どもは大切なぬいぐるみを抱えて眠っていた。
The child was sleeping while hugging a beloved stuffed animal.
彼はけがをした足を抱えるようにして座り込んだ。
He sat down, cradling his injured leg.
2To be burdened with something troublesome, such as debt, worries, or an unresolved problem.
会社は経営難を抱えていて、来月にもリストラが行われるらしい。
The company is struggling financially, and layoffs may happen as early as next month.
彼女はいくつもの不安を抱えたまま試験当日を迎えた。
She faced the day of the exam still carrying a lot of anxiety.
その国は深刻な人口減少という課題を抱えている。
That country is grappling with the serious issue of population decline.
両親を介護しながら仕事も抱えるのは簡単ではない。
It isn't easy to hold down a job while also caring for one's parents.
3To employ people, having them work as staff within one's organization.
あの工場は常に百人以上の従業員を抱えている。
That factory always has more than a hundred employees on staff.
弁護士事務所は経験豊富なスタッフを数名抱えている。
The law firm has several experienced staff members on hand.