brace

verb

\ ˈbrās

braced; bracing

Definition of brace

(Entry 1 of 2)

transitive verb

1 archaic : to fasten tightly : bind

2a : to prepare for use by making taut brace a drum

b : prepare, steel brace yourself for the shock

c : invigorate, freshen … I took the shower and it braced me up a bit.— Raymond Chandler

3 nautical : to turn (a sail yard) by means of a brace (see brace entry 2 sense 4b)

4a : to furnish or support with a brace (see brace entry 2 sense 4) heavily braced against the wind

b : to make stronger : reinforce nerves … braced by long familiarity with danger— T. B. Macaulay

5 : to put or plant firmly braces his foot in the stirrup

6 : to waylay especially with demands or questions : confront when braced, Willie had naturally denied his identity — Time

intransitive verb

1 : to take heart —used with up brace up and do something— Upton Sinclair

2 : to get ready (as for an attack) brace for the storm

brace

noun

plural braces

Definition of brace (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : something (such as a clasp) that connects or fastens

2 or plural brace : two of a kind : pair several brace of quail

3 : a crank-shaped instrument for turning a bit (see bit entry 1 sense 1a(2))

4 : something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: such as

a : a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (such as a framework) walls held up with braces

b nautical : a rope rove through a block at the end of a ship's yard (see yard entry 4 sense 3) to swing it horizontally

c braces plural, clothing : suspenders

d medical : an appliance for supporting a body part has braces on his legs a neck brace

e braces plural, dentistry : an orthodontic appliance usually of metallic wire that is used especially to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth had braces as a teenager

5a : one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together

b music : one of these marks connecting two or more musical staffs (see staff entry 1 sense 3) carrying parts to be performed simultaneously

c : bracket sense 3a numbers written in braces

6 : a position of rigid attention on review, his uniform and brace were technically correct — Time

7 : something that arouses energy or strengthens morale

Synonyms & Antonyms More Example Sentences Learn More about brace

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Examples of brace in a Sentence

Verb

He braced the gate with a piece of wood. Steel columns brace the structure. She braced herself with one hand and reached up with the other.

Noun

We need to add some sort of brace to hold the shelf in place. He could walk with braces on his legs. She wears a back brace.

Recent Examples on the Web: Verb

With no sign of international sanctions lifting any time soon, North Korea has been exhorting its citizens to brace for a prolonged standoff with the United States. — Choe Sang-hun, New York Times, "North Korea Launches Two Short-Range Missiles, South Korea Says," 24 July 2019 But by lowering the bar, investors will have to brace for greater volatility in a market already known for its rockiness and gambling-like atmosphere. — Lucinda Shen, Fortune, "China’s ‘Nasdaq’ Soared 140% on its First Day and Minted 3 New Billionaires," 23 July 2019 Boeing has taken precautions to brace for the financial impact of the 737 Max grounding, including securing a new line of credit, selling bonds and halting a stock buyback program. — Douglas Macmillan, Washington Post, "Boeing takes $5.6 billion revenue hit to compensate 737 Max customers," 18 July 2019 It’s time to brace ourselves for the worst of the summer heat, and there’s no better way to do it than with an ice cold drink, some great food, and a good view from some of the city’s best patio and rooftop bars. — Chris Triunfo, BostonGlobe.com, "Five rooftop bars and patios where you can beat the heat," 11 July 2019 The storm cluster was expected to wash out the Gulf Coast, and officials were warning residents in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas to brace for heavy rain, high winds and a storm surge. — Ben Kesslen, NBC News, "Gulf Coast braces for major cluster of thunderstorms with hurricane potential," 10 July 2019 With the young full back's rumoured £50m move to Manchester United now looking very likely to go ahead, Crystal Palace will have to brace themselves for the imminent exit of their young starlet. — SI.com, "How Crystal Palace Need to Spend the Money if Aaron Wan-Bissaka Joins Manchester United This Summer," 22 June 2019 To get the beer can out once the chicken is done, use a potholder to brace the can and use the tongs to grab the chicken inside the cavity from the top and gently wiggle the two apart. — Julia O'malley, Anchorage Daily News, "Use a local brew to infuse a juicy Alaska beer can chicken," 13 June 2019 The start of a days-long trend toward unusually high temperatures was under way on Saturday, and meteorologists warn residents to brace themselves for excessive heat as the temperatures climb. —

brace

Definition of brace

Synonyms & Antonyms for brace

Examples of brace in a Sentence

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emancipation