Definition

1. Noun:

   • A structural support: A device or member that strengthens or steadies a structure or framework.
   • A tool: A hand tool for drilling, consisting of a crank handle and a socket to hold a bit.
   • A dental appliance: A device worn on the teeth to correct irregularities.
   • A pair or set of two: Two similar things considered as a single unit.
   • A punctuation mark: Either of the symbols { or } used to enclose text.
   • A support for the body: An appliance that supports a part of the body, such as a knee.
   • A rope on a ship: On a square-rigged ship, a rope used to swing and secure a yard (a horizontal spar).
   • (Usually plural) Suspenders: Elastic straps used to hold trousers up.

2. Verb:

   • To make steady or firm: To support or strengthen something with a brace.
   • To prepare or steady oneself: To prepare oneself mentally or physically for something difficult or to hold a steady position.
   • To invigorate: To cause someone to feel more alert and energetic.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The carpenter installed a metal brace to support the wall.
  • He used a brace and bit to drill the hole.
  • She got her braces removed after two years.
  • He bought a brace of pistols for his collection.
  • The programmer placed the code inside curly braces.
  • After the injury, he had to wear a knee brace.
  • The sailor adjusted the brace to change the sail's angle.
  • He prefers to wear braces instead of a belt.

• Verb:

  • They braced the shelf against the wall to keep it from falling.
  • She braced herself for the bad news.
  • He braced his feet against the floor to push the heavy box.
  • The cold morning air braced him for the day ahead.

Advanced Usage

• "to brace for impact": To prepare oneself physically for a collision or sudden force.
  • The flight attendant told the passengers to brace for impact.
• "to brace oneself against something": To use something for physical support or to steady oneself.
  • She braced herself against the strong wind.

Variants and Related Words

• Bracing (adj): Invigorating or refreshing.
  • The bracing sea air.
• Bracer (n): Something that braces or invigorates; historically, a protective guard for the arm.
• Bracelet (n): An ornamental band for the wrist. (Note: This is a distinct word, not a direct variant of 'brace').

Synonyms

• Noun (Support): Prop, strut, reinforcement.
• Noun (Pair): Pair, couple, duo.
• Verb (Support): Strengthen, reinforce, steady, shore up.
• Verb (Invigorate): Stimulate, energize, invigorate.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Brace up:
  • To make something stronger or more secure.

    • We need to brace up the old fence.
  • (Often imperative) To summon one's courage or cheer up.

    • Brace up! Things will get better.

Related Idioms

• "A brace of": A pair or couple of (often used for game birds or firearms).
  • The hunter returned with a brace of ducks.
• "To brace oneself": To prepare mentally or physically for something difficult or unpleasant.
  • He braced himself for the long and difficult meeting.

Noun

1. a structural member used to stiffen a framework
2. a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
3. an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
4. elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
5. a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
6. either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
7. a set of two similar things considered as a unit
8. two items of the same kind
9. a support that steadies or strengthens something else
   • he wore a brace on his knee

Verb

1. cause to be alert and energetic
   • Coffee and tea stimulate me
   • This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
2. support by bracing
3. support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
   • brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
4. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult