brace meaning and definition

BRACE noun

Definition of brace (noun)

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

BRACE verb

Definition of brace (verb)

1. prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
   • synonyms: poise
2. support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
   • "brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel"
   • synonyms: stabilise, stabilize, steady
3. support by bracing
4. cause to be alert and energetic
   • "Coffee and tea stimulate me"; "This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate"
   • synonyms: arouse, energise, energize, perk up, stimulate
   • antonym: calm