brace

¹brace

verb \ˈbrās\

bracedbrac·ing

Definition of BRACE

transitive verb

1

archaic : to fasten tightly : bind

2

a : to prepare for use by making taut b : prepare, steel <brace yourself for the shock> c : invigorate, freshen

3

: to turn (a sail yard) by means of a brace

4

a : to furnish or support with a brace <heavily braced against the wind> b : to make stronger : reinforce

5

: to put or plant firmly <braces his foot in the stirrup>

6

: to waylay especially with demands or questions

intransitive verb

1

: to take heart —used with up

2

: to get ready (as for an attack)

Examples of BRACE

1. He braced the gate with a piece of wood.
2. Steel columns brace the structure.
3. She braced herself with one hand and reached up with the other.

Origin of BRACE

Middle English, from Anglo-French bracer to embrace, from brace

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BRACE

Synonyms: amp (up), animate, energize, enliven, fillip, fire, ginger (up), invigorate, jazz (up), juice up, jump-start, liven (up), pep (up), quicken, spike, stimulate, vitalize, vivify, zip (up)

Antonyms: damp, dampen, deaden, dull, kill

Related Words: arouse, awake, awaken, raise, rouse, stir, wake (up); activate, actuate, drive, impel, motivate, motive, move, propel; charge, electrify, galvanize; enkindle, excite, ferment, foment, incite, inflame (also enflame), instigate, kindle, provoke, set off, spark, trigger, turn on, whip (up); abet, boost, buoy, cheer, embolden, fortify, hearten, infuse, inspire, lift, rally, steel, strengthen; reactivate, reanimate, reawake, reawaken, recharge, recreate, reenergize, refresh, refreshen, regenerate, reinvigorate, rejuvenate, rekindle, renew, restimulate, resurrect, resuscitate, revitalize, revive

Near Antonyms: burn out, debilitate, do in, drain, enervate, enfeeble, exhaust, fag, fatigue, harass, kayo, knock out, sap, tucker (out), undermine, wash out, weaken, wear, wear out, weary; check, curb, inhibit, jade, quell, quench, repress, restrain, slow, still, stunt, suppress; daunt, demoralize, discourage, dishearten, dispirit

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Rhymes with BRACE

ace, base, bass, case, chase, dace, face, grace, lace, mace, Mace, Naas, pace, place, plaice, prase, race, res, space, Thrace, trace, vase, Wace