First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1brace
verb \ˈbrās\
: to get ready for something difficult or unpleasant ( chiefly US )
: to give added physical support or strength to (something)
: to support (yourself) by leaning against something or holding something
bracedbrac·ing
Full Definition of BRACE
transitive verb
1
archaic : to fasten tightly : bind
2
a : to prepare for use by making taut b : prepare, steel <brace yourself for the shock> c : invigorate, freshen
3
: to turn (a sail yard) by means of a brace
4
a : to furnish or support with a brace b : to make stronger : reinforce
5
: to put or plant firmly <braces his foot in the stirrup>
6
: to waylay especially with demands or questions
intransitive verb
1
: to take heart —used with up
2
: to get ready (as for an attack)
See brace defined for English-language learners
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Origin of BRACE
Middle English, from Anglo-French bracer to embrace, from brace
Related to BRACE
2brace
noun
: a part that adds physical strength or support
: a device that supports a part of the body
: a device that is attached to teeth to make them straight
plural brac·es
Full Definition of BRACE
1
: something (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
4
: something that transmits, directs, resists, or supports weight or pressure: as a : a diagonal piece of structural material that serves to strengthen something (as a framework) b : a rope rove through a block at the end of a ship's yard to swing it horizontally c plural : suspenders d : an appliance for supporting a body part e plural : an orthodontic appliance usually of metallic wire that is used especially to exert pressure to straighten misaligned teeth
5
a : one of two marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together b : one of these marks connecting two or more musical staffs carrying parts to be performed simultaneously c : bracket 3a
6
: a position of rigid attention
7
: something that arouses energy or strengthens morale
See brace defined for English-language learners
Origin of BRACE
Middle English, clasp, pair, from Anglo-French, pair of arms, pair, support, from Latin bracchia, plural of bracchium arm, from Greek brachiōn, from comparative of brachys short — more at brief
First Known Use: 14th century
Related to BRACE
- Synonyms
- support, buttress, mount, mounting, prop, reinforcement, shore, spur, stay, underpinning
BRACED Defined for Kids
1brace
verb \ˈbrās\
bracedbrac·ing
Definition of BRACE for Kids
1
: to make strong, firm, or steady <I stood up, bracing my body as well as I could against the wind. — Katherine Paterson, Jacob Have I Loved>
2
: to get ready <They braced for a storm.>
2brace
noun
Definition of BRACE for Kids
1
: something that adds strength or support <a neck brace>
2
brac·es plural : a usually wire device worn to correct the position of teeth
3
: one of a pair of marks { } used to connect words or items to be considered together
4
: two of a kind <a brace of quail>
5
: a tool with a U-shaped bend that is used to turn wood-boring bits
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