Definition

Adjective: 1. Held up or supported by braces or buttresses: Describes a structure that is strengthened or stabilized by additional supports. 2. Positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger: Describes a person or thing prepared to face a challenge, impact, or threat, often by adopting a firm, tense, or defensive posture.

Usage and Examples

• The braced wall withstood the force of the storm.
• The old wooden tower was braced with steel cables.
• With muscles braced, the goalkeeper awaited the penalty kick.
• She stood braced against the strong wind.

Advanced Usage

• To be braced for something: To be mentally or physically prepared for something difficult or unpleasant.
  • The coastal towns were braced for the hurricane's arrival.
  • Investors are braced for a volatile week in the markets.

Variants and Related Words

• Brace (verb): To support, strengthen, or prepare.
  • He braced the shelf against the wall.
  • She braced herself for bad news.
• Brace (noun): A device that supports or steadies something.
  • He wore a knee brace after the injury.
  • The carpenter used a brace to hold the frame square.
• Bracing (adjective): Invigorating or refreshing, often used for cold weather.
  • The bracing sea air woke her up.

Synonyms

• Supported, shored up, reinforced, buttressed (for physical support).
• Prepared, fortified, steadied, set, firm (for readiness).

Related Phrases

• Brace yourself: A common imperative phrase meaning to prepare yourself physically or mentally for impact or bad news.
  • Brace yourself; this is going to be a bumpy landing.

Adjective

1. held up by braces or buttresses
2. positioned so as to be ready for confrontation or danger
   • he stood to attention with his shoulders braced