brace brace /ˈbreɪs/

noun

1. () A support that steadies or strengthens something else  ( brace )
   a support that steadies or strengthens something else
    He wore a brace on his knee
   he wore a brace on his knee
   
   
2. A structural member used to stiffen a framework  ( brace , bracing )
   a structural member used to stiffen a framework
    The construction workers added bracing to ensure the building's stability.
   The construction workers added bracing to ensure the building's stability.
   
   
3. A carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring  ( bitstock , brace )
   a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
   
4. An appliance that corrects dental irregularities  ( brace , braces , orthodontic braces )
   an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
    My dentist recommended that I get braces to straighten my teeth
   My dentist recommended that I get braces to straighten my teeth
   
   
5. Elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)  ( brace , suspender , gallus )
   elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
    A suspender belt is a great way to add some sex appeal to lingerie, and is often worn by brides on their wedding night to surprise and delight their partner
   A suspender belt is a great way to add some sex appeal to lingerie, and is often worn by brides on their wedding night to surprise and delight their partner
   
   
6. A rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it  ( brace )
   a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
   
7. Either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material  ( brace )
   either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
   
8. A set of two similar things considered as a unit  ( brace , pair )
   a set of two similar things considered as a unit
     They bought a pair of tickets to the concert.
   They bought a pair of tickets to the concert.
   
9. Two items of the same kind  ( brace , couplet , distich , duad , duet , duo , dyad , span , twain , couple , pair , twosome , yoke )
   two items of the same kind
   

verb

1. () Support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace  ( stabilise [British] , stabilize , steady , brace )
   support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
    Brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
   brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
   
2. () Prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult  ( poise , brace )
   prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult
     I brace myself for the impact as the roller coaster takes a sudden drop.
   I brace myself for the impact as the roller coaster takes a sudden drop.
   
3. () Support by bracing  ( brace )
   support by bracing
   
4. Cause to be alert and energetic  ( brace , energise [British] , perk up , arouse , energize , stimulate )
   cause to be alert and energetic
    Coffee and tea stimulate me
   Coffee and tea stimulate me
    This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
   This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate