WordGarden.iobrace
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /brˈeɪs/
US
- /ˈbreɪs/
Meanings
Verb
to prepare yourself physically or mentally for a shock or difficulty
to support or strengthen something with a brace
Noun
a device worn to support a body part or straighten teeth
a support that holds or strengthens part of a structure
a pair of something, especially game birds or two goals in a match
More meaningsFewer meanings
a curly bracket used in writing, mathematics, or computer code
Beyond the definition
A brace isn't just something you wear on your teeth! It can mean to support or strengthen something—like bracing yourself against a strong wind to keep from falling. It is also an act of preparing for something difficult, like "bracing for a storm." Think of a ship braced for rough seas; everything is tightened and secured to withstand the impact.
As a noun, a brace is the device that provides that support—like the metal wires used to straighten teeth or a medical brace for an injured limb. Interestingly, "brace" also serves as a traditional term for a pair of something, such as a "brace of pheasants." Whether you're physically reinforcing a structure or mentally preparing for a challenge, a brace is all about stability, strength, and readiness.
The word "brace" carries a surprising amount of weight, both literally and figuratively. At its core, to brace means to support, strengthen, or prepare something for stress or impact. Imagine fixing a wobbly table; you might add a brace (a supporting piece of wood or metal) to make it stable. Or picture yourself bracing against a gale—tightening your muscles and shifting your weight to withstand the force.
As a verb, "bracing" often implies preparing for something difficult or unpleasant. "Brace yourselves," someone might say before delivering bad news, meaning "fortify your mind for the impact." Beyond physical and emotional support, the word has specific technical meanings. In writing and mathematics, braces are the curly brackets { } used to group items together. Historically, and still in hunting contexts, a "brace" refers to a pair of birds or dogs.
You might also encounter the adjective "bracing," used to describe something cold and invigorating, like "bracing sea air" that wakes up the senses. Whether you're physically reinforcing a wall, mentally preparing for hardship, or referring to a supportive medical device, "brace" is a versatile word that speaks to resilience. It is the act of providing the strength necessary to hold firm under pressure.
Examples
- 1
Physical support
He braced his feet against the floor and pushed the heavy box.
- 2
Sudden movement
She braced herself against the wall when the bus stopped suddenly.
- 3
Warning
Brace yourself, this coffee is really bitter.
- Phrasebrace yourself
prepare for something unpleasant or surprising
- 4
Difficult future
Many families are bracing for higher heating bills this winter.
- Patternbrace for + difficulty
prepare for something difficult
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Medical support
The doctor told him to wear a knee brace while the injury healed.
- 6
Construction support
The carpenter added a wooden brace to keep the fence from leaning.
- 7
Dental treatment
My sister is getting braces next month, so she won't be able to eat hard candy for a while.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
- relax
- be caught off guard
Used with (collocations)
- brace yourself
- brace for impact
- brace for the worst
- brace against
Word family
Explore
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- bracenounverb
Forms
- bracespluralnounverb
- bracing-ing formverbnoun
- bracedpast tenseverbnoun