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brace

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To brace is to build extra support for something, to use support to stay balanced yourself, or to prepare someone to receive bad news.

(verb)

An example of brace is wood pillars that support a roof.
An example of brace is when you press your hand against the side of a wall as you descend steep stairs.
An example of brace is when you tell someone to sit down because you have something upsetting to tell him.

The definition of a brace is a support for something such as a building part or an injured body part.

(noun)

An example of a brace are wood pieces that support or hold up a roof.
An example of brace is something you wear to support your back.

See brace in Webster's New World College Dictionary

transitive verb braced, bracing

to tie or bind on firmly
to tighten, esp. by stretching
to strengthen or make firm by supporting the weight of, resisting the pressure of, etc.; prop up
to equip or support with braces
to make ready for an impact, shock, etc.: often used reflexively
to give vigor or energy to; stimulate; invigorate
to get a firm hold with (the hands or feet)
☆ Slang to ask a loan or handout from

Origin: ME bracen < OFr bracer, to brace, embrace < L brachia, pl. of brachium, an arm < Gr brachiōn, arm, upper arm < brachys, short (in contrast to the longer lower arm): see merry

noun

two of a kind; a couple; pair, as of hounds, game animals, or pistols
a device that clasps or connects to keep something firmly in place; fastener
Brit. suspenders
a device for setting up or maintaining tension, as a guy wire
1. either of the signs { }, used to connect or enclose words or items to be considered together
2. such a sign used to connect two or more staves of a musical score
3. the set of staves so connected
a device, as a beam, used as a support, to resist strain or pressure, etc.; prop
1. any of various devices for supporting a weak or malformed part of the body: often intended for permanent use in contrast to a splint or cast
2. a device attached to the teeth in order to move them gradually into better occlusion
a tool for holding and rotating a drilling bit
☆ Informal a rigid position of exaggerated attention, as that assumed by underclassmen at military academies

Origin: ME < OFr, armful, fathom < L brachia

noun

Naut. a rope passed through a block at the end of a yard, used to swing the yard about from the deck

Origin: Fr bras (de vergue), brace (of a yard) < L brachium: see brace

transitive verb braced, bracing

Naut. to move (a yard) by means of a brace

See brace in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device that holds or fastens two or more parts together or in place; a clamp.
A device, such as a supporting beam in a building or a connecting wire or rope, that steadies or holds something else erect.
braces Chiefly British Suspenders.
An orthopedic appliance used to support, align, or hold a bodily part in the correct position.
A dental appliance constructed of bands and wires that is fixed to the teeth to correct irregular alignment. Often used in the plural.
An extremely stiff, erect posture.
A cause or source of renewed physical or spiritual vigor.
A protective pad strapped to the bow arm of an archer.
Nautical A rope by which a yard is swung and secured on a square-rigged ship.
A cranklike handle with an adjustable aperture at one end for securing and turning a bit.
Music A leather loop that slides to change the tension on the cord of a drum.
Music
a. A vertical line, usually accompanied by the symbol {, connecting two or more staffs.
b. A set of staffs connected in this way.
A symbol, { or }, enclosing two or more lines of text or listed items to show that they are considered as a unit.
Mathematics Either of a pair of symbols, { }, used to indicate aggregation or to clarify the grouping of quantities when parentheses and square brackets have already been used. Also called bracket.
pl. brace A pair of like things: three brace of partridges.

verb braced braced, brac·ing, brac·es

verb, transitive

To furnish with a brace.
To support or hold steady with or as if with a brace; reinforce.
To prepare or position so as to be ready for impact or danger: Union members braced themselves for a confrontation with management.
To confront with questions or requests.
To increase the tension of.
To invigorate; stimulate: “The freshness of the September morning inspired and braced him” (Thomas Hardy).
Nautical To turn (the yards of a ship) by the braces.

verb, intransitive

To get ready; make preparations.

Phrasal Verb: brace up To summon one's strength or endurance.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French, the two arms

Origin: , from Vulgar Latin *bracia

Origin: , from Latin brācchia

Origin: , pl. of brācchium, arm

Origin: , from Greek brakhīōn, upper arm; see mregh-u- in Indo-European roots

Origin: . V., partly from Old French bracier

Origin: , from Old French brace, the two arms