brace

Noun

• a structural member used to stiffen a framework

• a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring

• an appliance that corrects dental irregularities

• elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)

• a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it

• either of two punctuation marks ( or ) used to enclose textual material

• a set of two similar things considered as a unit

• two items of the same kind

• a support that steadies or strengthens something else
  • he wore a brace on his knee
    

Verb

• cause to be alert and energetic
  • Coffee and tea stimulate me
    
  • This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
    

• support by bracing

• support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
  • brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
    

• prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  bracing , bitstock , braces , orthodontic braces , suspender , gallus , pair , stimulate , arouse , energize , energise , perk up , steady , stabilize , stabilise , poise
• Antonyms: 
  de-energize , de-energise , sedate , calm , tranquilize , tranquillize , tranquillise