Definition

Verb: - To strengthen, support, or prepare oneself or something else, especially in the face of difficulty or challenge. It implies making something more secure, stable, or resilient.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • You need to brace up and face the consequences. (You need to strengthen your resolve and face the consequences.)
  • The crew worked to brace up the mast before the storm hit. (The crew worked to secure the mast firmly before the storm hit.)
  • She tried to brace up her spirits after receiving the bad news. (She tried to bolster her spirits after receiving the bad news.)

Advanced Usage

• "to brace oneself up": This is a reflexive construction emphasizing personal preparation for something difficult.
  • He braced himself up for the difficult conversation with his boss. (He mentally prepared himself for the difficult conversation with his boss.)

Variants and Related Words

• Brace (verb): To support or strengthen.
• Bracing (adjective): Invigorating or strengthening.
• Underbrace (verb): A less common synonym meaning to support from beneath.

Synonyms

• Strengthen: To make stronger.
• Fortify: To strengthen against attack.
• Steel: To mentally harden or prepare.
• Bolster: To support or strengthen.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brace for: To prepare for something, typically something unpleasant or impactful.
  • The city braced for the hurricane. (The city prepared for the hurricane.)

Related Idioms

• Brace yourself: A common imperative warning someone to prepare for a shock, impact, or unpleasant news.
  • Brace yourself, I have some bad news. (Prepare yourself, I have some bad news.)

Verb

1. make secure underneath
   • undergird the ship